Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has confirmed that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif recently underwent two surgeries in Geneva and is now set to return to Pakistan instead of London.
Speaking in Samaa TV program 'Redline', he also praised President Asif Ali Zardari’s efforts to defuse tensions between political allies, calling Mohsin Naqvi’s involvement a “welcome step.”
Nawaz Sharif’s health update
Khawaja Asif revealed that Nawaz Sharif had undergone two surgeries in Geneva last week. His recovery took eight to nine days, after which doctors allowed him to travel.
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He clarified that Nawaz was initially scheduled to fly to London but has now decided to return directly to Pakistan. The minister dismissed speculation about Nawaz’s health and travel plans, calling them baseless.
Zardari’s role in reducing tensions
Commenting on the political situation, Khawaja Asif said that Asif Zardari’s invitation to Mohsin Naqvi was a wise move that both sides trust.
“Asif Zardari is an expert in reducing tension,” he remarked, adding that the matter will likely be resolved once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns from his foreign trip.
Maryam Nawaz and PML-N’s future
Khawaja Asif also highlighted the role of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, describing her as the future leadership of the PML-N.
Referring to the devastating floods in Punjab, he criticized political opponents for turning a humanitarian crisis into a blame game, saying the matter had gone too far.
PML-N, PPP deadlock persists
Tensions between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its key coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have deepened as PPP lawmakers staged walkouts from both houses of parliament.
Also Read: Tensions rise between PML-N, PPP as deadlock persists
The rift, centered around respect for party leadership and accusations of playing the “Punjab card,” has left the government struggling to maintain unity in its coalition.
PPP walks out of parliament sessions
Members of the PPP boycotted proceedings in both the National Assembly and the Senate, signaling growing discontent with the PML-N. Senator Sherry Rehman warned the government not to “play the Punjab card,” saying that apologizing “does not diminish anyone’s respect.”
She stressed that no province is anyone’s fiefdom, adding that the PPP, as the largest party in the Senate, cannot be taken for granted on the coalition benches.
PPP’s position on respect and federation
PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf cautioned against allowing the “stench of provincialism” to resurface, warning it could weaken the federation of Pakistan.
Also Read: PML-N, PPP talks end without breakthrough
“We talk about honour and respect, but this should not be considered our weakness,” he said, adding that it is difficult for his party to sit in the House until their concerns are addressed.
Govt response: Reconciliation on table
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar acknowledged the rising tensions but expressed optimism that reconciliation was possible.
“There are hot and cold moments in a democratic system,” he said. “President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Nawaz Sharif are all convinced of reconciliation. Good news will come soon.”
Tarar added that Nawaz Sharif firmly believes in dialogue and understanding, emphasizing that solutions through consensus would strengthen the federation.
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