Key stances

• Believes current political setup "worse than Musharraf era" but that there is no chance of martial law.
• A stickler for parliamentary decorum, he once criticised his own government's ministers for not showing up for a National Assembly session.
• Believes in enhanced trade with Iran; maintains that the two countries shouldn't fall prey to sectarian divides.
• Advocated the freedom of media and its oversight of parliamentary proceedings.
• Believes peace in Pakistan not possible without peace in Afghanistan
• Supports minority rights; once ordered a crackdown against anyone insulting the Hindu faith.