News
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Nawaz offers ‘friendly match’ to Imran Khan* PML-N chief says they both have reconciled their differences and intend to work together to rid Pakistan of its problems
* Nawaz says he will respect PTI mandate in KP
LAHORE: Setting aside political differences, PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif visited his injured rival, PTI Chairman Imran Khan in hospital to inquire about his health and offered to play a “friendly match” with him once he has fully recovered.
The PML-N chief met Imran alone for a short time in the hospital, presented him a bouquet and prayed for his early recovery. PTI’s spokesman Inamul Haq was present on the occasion. After the meeting, Nawaz talked to media and answered different queries. He said that both he and Imran have reconciled their differences and intend to work together to rid Pakistan of its problems.
Nawaz said now he has no grievances against Imran. He said that all national issues could only be resolved through negotiations after a mutual understanding and unity at all levels. The PML-N chief said that he was grateful to God that Imran had remained safe in the accident during his election rally. Nawaz said that he had asked the PTI chairman to reconcile for the betterment of the country and in the greater interest of the nation.
“I am happy that the aggression from both sides has been ended,” Nawaz remarked. He said that it was his duty to inquire about the health of Imran Khan and he was happy to meet him. He said that it is also important that Imran appreciates his positive emotions for him. “I have told Imran that I do not want anything for myself and have nothing personal against him, as according to a Hadith, grievances between two Muslims should be ended within three days, so Imran has also ended his grievances with me.”
He remarked that nothing would be better than him and Imran uniting and added that he respects the mandate of Imran’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The PML-N chief said that his doors are open for everyone and he will welcome all good suggestions for the development of a new Pakistan from his rivals too. He said that the nation had trusted his party to resolve issues and he would try not to disappoint them.
Nawaz said that the meeting with Imran took place in a very friendly and pleasant atmosphere and he will meet him again after he fully recovers.
He said that he congratulated Imran over his party’s victory in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and added that the PTI had every right to form its own government in the province. “Imran Khan also congratulated me over the victory of PML-N in the elections,” Nawaz stated. In a lighter vein, Nawaz said, “We will play a friendly match soon with Khan Sahib.”
The former prime minister called for an end to the political rivalry in larger interest of the nation. He also stressed the need for forging unity among all political forces to meet the challenges facing the country.
“We should work together to pull the country out of crises which is essential for a better future of our younger generation,” he added. Nawaz said that Imran has also expressed the same sentiments. “We have become friends now,” he said. To a question, he said he was warmly received by the PTI chief.
To another query, the PML-N chief said Pakistan wants amicable relations with all countries, including United States. Nawaz had on Monday promised Pakistan’s “full support” to the United States as it withdraws combat troops from Afghanistan next year and made overtures to nuclear rival India in a briefing with the foreign media at his family estate in Raiwind. “If there are concerns on either side I think we should address those concerns and strengthen this relationship,” Nawaz told journalists, referring to Pakistan’s alliance with the United States which can be notoriously difficult. The US and NATO are due to withdraw most of their troops from the war against the Afghan Taliban by the end of 2014 and Pakistan will be a key transit point for shipping home equipment overland to the port at Karachi. staff report/agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk