ISLAMABAD, Oct 13: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and PML secretary-general Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Saturday discussed the ruling party’s strategy for the next general elections.

The prime minister said the coming elections would provide an opportunity to people to express their will and hoped that they would elect those who had served them best.

He said the ruling PML and its allies always worked for national solidarity and promoted open, progressive and democratic culture in the country. “These efforts are directed towards establishing peace, enhancing development and ensuring prosperity of the common man,” he added.

Mr Sayed, who called on the prime minister, briefed him about party’s strategy for the next elections. He apprised the premier of applications the PML had received from candidates for party tickets.

They also discussed party’s manifesto for the next elections. The PML secretary-general said that draft of the manifesto had been prepared and it would be released after the consultation process was completed.

Dr Amjad, PML Islamabad president, also briefed the prime minister about party’s enrolment drive and preparations. He said the party would field candidates for both seats of the federal capital.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Tariq Azeem and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Commander Khalil-ur-Rehman also attended the meeting.

Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also called on Mr Aziz and informed him of the party position in Rawalpindi.

The prime minister said the present government had put the country on the path of development and prosperity and continuity of the leadership would help the country move further forward.

Mr Aziz appreciated Pakistan Railways for running 20 special Eid trains and transporting thousands of people to their hometowns and catering to the needs of passengers by providing better service to the people.

Mr Rashid said his ministry had taken various initiatives to ensure provision of better facilities to the passengers.

He invited the prime minister to address the Railway labours convention which he accepted. The PM said he appreciated the role of Railway workers who had improved the quality of service and safety.