Updated on
Summary
President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday said the process of national reconciliation will continue and PPP will work to promote democracy. The President said this during informal meetings with delegations of PPP leaders and workers in Lahore at the Governor House. He said PPP workers sacrificed for restoration of democracy and will continue to render more sacrifices to ensure that democracy continues to survive and strengthen.The process of national reconciliation was started by Benazir Bhutto and we would take this process forward, he added. On the demand of workers, the President in principle approved setting up Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital at Shahdara. He directed the Evacuee Trust Board to provide land for the project. While talking to PPP leader and former hockey star Qasim Zia, the President said efforts should be made to raise standard of hockey so that the team can bring laurels for the country. The President exchanged views on how to improve training and facilities for the players. The President during his stay in Lahore on Thursday will undertake more meetings with party workers before embarking on a week long visit to main cities of Punjab.Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari reached Lahore airport where Governor Punjab Salman Taseer, PPP senior minister Raja Riaz and other ministers greeted him. President Zardari reached Governor House from the airport. President Zardari will address PPP workers at Governor House at 2pm tomorrow. President will stay 5-7 days in Lahore. During his visit, President Zardari will meet the business community, lawyers and journalists. He will inaugurate different projects in different districts. The president will not be able to meet the Sharif Brothers this time as the PML-N leaders are abroad. Security was put on high alert and 5,000 police officials were deployed.Meanwhile, political temperatures between PML-N and PPP are on the rise and statements from both parties towards each other in Punjab remain aggressive.
