Zardari denies London meeting, reaching ‘understanding’ on Panama Leaks

ISLAMABAD: Former president of Pakistan and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has strongly denied meeting Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in London and media reports that the party had reached ‘understanding on the issue of Panama leaks’ with the Prime Minister.

A statement issued by the party here on Sunday termed such media reports as ‘untrue, baseless and provocation.’

“This was stated by the former president today when his attention was drawn to a report on private TV channel implying that in the spirit of reconciliation Mr. Zardari had arrived at some understanding with the Prime Minister on the issue,” said the statement.

Zardari not only contradicted the reports but also stated categorically that the party had already decided to pursue the Panama Leaks issue to its logical conclusion.

“A parliamentary committee has already been set up which is engaged in drawing up the terms of reference (ToRs) for investigations and how to proceed in the matter and there is no question of ignoring it,” he said.

The PPP co-chairman said the party has arrived at a well considered stance on the issue after due deliberations not only within the party but also with all political parties.

“Media reports calculated to give any impression that he (Mr Zardari) may have a different stance on the issue are untrue and baseless and seem motivated to create confusion,” said the statement.

Earlier, there were reports that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had advised Asif Zardari to meet with PM Nawaz Sharif in London and resolve all controversial issues. However, the JUI-F chief and the former president have both denied meeting each other. 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in London for medical reasons. The Pakistani premier will have an open heart surgery on Tuesday morning.