President Asif Ali Zardari chairs a meeting of heads of allies parties at the presidency on Monday. – Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: The coalition partners of PPP-led government pledged to support to President Asif Ali Zardari for holding general elections in March 2013, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

A meeting of coalition partners of Pakistan People’s Party was held in the presidency on Monday night that was chaired by the president. Surprisingly Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was not present on the occasion.

Sources told DawnNews that the president suggested the idea of holding elections in March next year, during the meeting, which was supported by government’s allies.

The president said that the democracy was returned after a while in the country and it should be protected. He also urged all coalition partners to take credit for completing the constitutional tenure of the government.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Farooq Sattar, on the occasion, tendered his party’s support to the president and said that “MQM stands with the president on every political decision.”

Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali also vowed his party’s support and said that ANP would lend a hand for every step taken by the PPP. “Reconciliatory policy of the government has strengthened the democracy,” he added.

All the allies supported the suggestion of the president, who was in a good mood, for holding elections in March next year.

The president thanked all coalition partners for supporting PPP and said that the government would complete its allotted five years with their support.

Opinion

Editorial

Under siege
Updated 03 May, 2024

Under siege

Whether through direct censorship, withholding advertising, harassment or violence, the press in Pakistan navigates a hazardous terrain.
Meddlesome ways
03 May, 2024

Meddlesome ways

AFTER this week’s proceedings in the so-called ‘meddling case’, it appears that the majority of judges...
Mass transit mess
03 May, 2024

Mass transit mess

THAT Karachi — one of the world’s largest megacities — does not have a mass transit system worth the name is ...
Punishing evaders
02 May, 2024

Punishing evaders

THE FBR’s decision to block mobile phone connections of more than half a million individuals who did not file...
Engaging Riyadh
Updated 02 May, 2024

Engaging Riyadh

It must be stressed that to pull in maximum foreign investment, a climate of domestic political stability is crucial.
Freedom to question
02 May, 2024

Freedom to question

WITH frequently suspended freedoms, increasing violence and few to speak out for the oppressed, it is unlikely that...