PPP ready to face any challenge: Zardari

Lahore, Sep 23 (ANI): Reiterating that the federal government would complete its tenure, President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) is ready to face any challenge, according to a private TV channel.

"We have restored democracy and will defend it too and the government will complete its five years of tenure," the Daily Times quoted Zardari, as saying in a meeting with the PPP's Punjab ministers at the Presidency.

"We are not from those who flee from the country in difficulties", he stated, adding that the government knew how to handle and lead the democratic system.

Zardari also called for support to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif for stopping him from looking towards non-political forces in disappointment.

"We would not let it be derailed. We are politicians and should help the politicians so that they do not look to non-political elements in desperation," he said.

The ministers complained to Zardari about not being taking taken into confidence regarding government matters in Punjab, to which the president directed the ministers to tolerate the state's chief minister Shahbaz Sharif for the sake of the country, the paper said.

Zardari also asked the ministers to spend most of their time in flood-hit areas, adding that Diesel Cards would be issued to farmers for providing them with cheap diesel, and electricity bills of the flood victims would also be waived off.

Matters regarding the status of relief and rehabilitation activities in flood-affected areas, the current political situation in Punjab, results of the recently held by-elections in Punjab and party issues were discussed during the PPP meeting. (ANI)