ISLAMABAD: Former President Asif Ali Zardari’s Iftar dinner with US Vice President Joe Biden, although a social event hosted by Pakistan’s former ambassador-at-large, Ray Mahmud, has generated a lot of interest and also political heat.
Both PPP and PML-N circles in the United States are claiming that Zardari is here to solicit US support for the current political system in Pakistan.
But the host - Ray Mahmud who had played a key role in improving ties between the Bush administration and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto - insists that the iftar-dinner is a social event with no political undertones.
The host also hints that media reports have alarmed the Americans and may force Biden to reconsider his participation.
PPP and PML-N circles in Washington, however, say that Zardari has met and will meet several senior US officials, telling them that “they should ensure the continuation of the current political system in Pakistan.”
They point out that recent reports in the Pakistani media suggest that at least some people in Pakistan are talking about “a government of national unity.” One report even published a list of the people who may be included in such a government.
“Zardari believes that although the current government has many drawbacks, it’s a legally elected government and should complete its tenure,” said a PPP source. “There should be no government change before the election.”
A former diplomat with links to the PPP and the US administration, however, insists that this is a private visit and Zardari has not come to Washington with any political agenda.
Internews
