ISLAMABAD: A delegation led by Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement-backed independent MNA Mohsin Dawar called on Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and his father and former president Asif Ali Zardari at the Parliament House on Tuesday.

Talking briefly to reporters after the meeting, Mr Zardari said that demands of the PTM were justified and a dialogue should be held with their leadership.

“We believe that their demands are justified. A lot of blood has already been shed in their [tribal] area. We need to sit with them and hold a dialogue,” he said.

The former president said it was the job of democracy to stop someone from “aggression” and bring him/her into the mainstream.

In response to a question about the ISPR chief’s statement that the game was over for the PTM, the former president said the “game never ends”. Mr Zardari said the delegation had actually called on Mr Bhutto-Zardari and he had attended the meeting only for a brief time.

Talking to the reporters, Mr Bhutto-Zardari downplayed the meeting, saying it was an interaction between two parliamentarians. He said the country would benefit from increased contacts between young parliamentarians.

Responding to a question, he said they might not have a united stance on some issues, but the PPP’s stand on the issues of democracy, constitution and human rights was before everyone. According to an announcement by the PPP Media Centre, PPP Secretary General Farhatullah Babar was also present at the meeting. Gulalai Ismail and some other human rights activists were part of the delegation that called on the PPP leaders.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2019