Zardari, Sharif join hands to tackle terrorism, economic woes

Islamabad, Nov.9 : Keen to tackle terrorism and the economic crisis in Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif have agreed to join hands to counter these twin menaces.

The agreement was reached at a dinner meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr (President's House). Sources were quoted by the Daily Times as saying that both felt that terror strikes and economic woes were threatening Pakistan's stability.

Zardari sought the PML-N's co-operation in dealing with these problems, and said he believed there was a need for collective efforts to meet the challenges facing Pakistan.

Sharif assured Zardari of his party's support and also reminded the latter of his promise to repeal the 17th Constitutional Amendment and restore the judiciary in line with the Murree Declaration.

Sharif said his party would never destabilize the democratic set-up in Pakistan and added that the government should consult all stakeholders to formulate a durable economic policy.

He said those who had robbed the country should be held accountable.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and his wife, Zardari's sister Faryal Talpur, and Sharif's wife Kulsoom Nawaz were also present at the meeting.

ANI