ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned sessions of both the lower and upper houses of Parliament to convene on Monday, Jan 21.

According to a press releases issued by the President House on Thursday, the President summoned the National Assembly on the advice of Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf to on Monday at 4 pm. The President Asif also summoned a session of the Senate on the same day, according to Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar.

Zardari telephones Sharif

President Asif Ali Zardari also telephoned Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) chief Mian Nawaz Sharif on Thursday evening and condoled with him over the death of his brother, Abbas Sharif

The President said that he will also visit Raiwind to personally offer Fateha and condolences, reported APP.

According to the President’s spokesperson, President Zardari also prayed for eternal rest to the soul of late Abbas Sharif and for patience to all members of the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity. Mian Nawaz Sharif thanked the President for his gesture.

The developments are fresh indications of a possible consensus among the government and opposition over a caretaker administration, and that the government may soon announce a date for upcoming general elections.

Analysts say the coalition government appears to have ridden out any immediate danger arousing from Tehrik-i-Minhajul Quran (TMQ) chief Dr Tahirul Qadri’s long march in Islamabad, and that announcing a precise date for elections could resolve the matter.