KARACHI: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F), on Tuesday met former president Asif Ali Zardari and discussed “recent political situation” with him, said a brief statement issued by Bilawal House.

It said the two leaders held a brief meeting where the current political situation and other matters of mutual interest were discussed. The statement, however, didn’t mention the venue of the meeting and its agenda.

Maulana Fazl inquired about Mr Zardari’s health.

The JUI-F chief also congratulated Mr Zardari on the upcoming engagement of his daughter Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari and conveyed his best wishes, the statement said.

The PDM, an 11-party alliance of opposition parties, has held public meetings in Gujranwala, Kara­chi, Quetta and Peshawar. It is now scheduled to hold public meetings in Multan on Nov 30 and in Lahore on Dec 13.

The PDM has given a call for a long march to Islam­abad in January to seek the resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, a separate statement issued by Bilawal House said that Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had decided to stay in self-isolation after his key adviser tested positive for Covid-19.

“The adviser of Mr Bhutto-Zardari, Jameel Soomro, has tested positive for Covid-19. The PPP chairman has decided to stay in self-isolation while waiting for reports of his coronavirus test,” it said.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2020