LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that for the continuity of democracy and stability of institutions, the promotion of mutual harmony and political dialogue is the need of the hour.

For a lasting solution to public problems, we have to move forward with consultation and cooperation with all segments of society, he stressed.

He was talking to a delegation of the PPP south Punjab, comprising Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf, Mumtaz Ali Chang, Makhdoom Shahabuddin and MNA Makhdoom Tahir at the Governor House here on Thursday. Governor Sardar Saleem Haider was also present.

The long-standing problems faced by south Punjab region and other issues were discussed in the meeting.

President Zardari praised the role of all political forces for the stability of democratic values. He also met a delegation from the central Punjab districts, including Faisalabad, Gujrat and Hafizabad, led by former federal minister Rana Farooq Saeed Khan and Tanveer Ashraf Kaira.

He said the young generation is our capital and the foundation of a prosperous Pakistan can be laid only through its education, training and participation. It is in the national interest to take all units together at the federal level, promote cooperation with the provinces and ensure the people’s welfare, he added.

A delegation comprising Punjab Assembly members Inam Lalika, Chaudhry Owais, PPP leader Nawazish Ali Pirzada, OGDCL Employees Union President Zahid Bhutto, and Maira Hashmi also called on the president and discussed various socio-political issues, cooperation between the provinces, and opportunities for youth.

The president said it was necessary to adopt a coordinated strategy to protect the rights of workers and empower the youth.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2025