I have no right to contest for President office: Zardari

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday said that being a President of the country he was glad to see the smooth transition of power, adding that not only Nawaz Sharif but other political parties also supported them for the sake of democracy.

Talking to a panel of journalists, President Zardari said that he has no right to participate in presidential elections for the next tenure. He said that if Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) asked him to lead the party, he would do so, or else he would work as a party worker.

Replying to a question, Mr. Zardari said that National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and Swiss cases were the charges for what he had been sent to jail for eight years. He added that, in his opinion, these cases were controversial as they carried no substance.

Speaking on Balochistan issues, the president claimed that the previous government did so many things for Balcohistan but the Baloch people did not do anything for themselves.

To another question, Mr. Zardari replied that there is a need to identify whether or not Taliban have political mindset, as extremists do not negotiate.

He further said that the PPP-led government had not signed any agreement with US government over drone attacks, however, he added that he did not know if Musharraf had made any such agreement or not.