ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will host a farewell reception for the outgoing President Asif Ali Zardari in the first week of next month before the end of his five-year term on September 8.
The reception may take place between September 5 and 7.
“It will be a luncheon ceremony and is likely to be held on September 7,” said a senior official of the Prime Minister Office’s media wing.
Leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah is also likely to attend the reception.
When asked if the PML-N government will present a guard of honour to the outgoing president, the official said:
“Hosting of a farewell reception by the prime minister will be a goodwill gesture to the president who belongs to the opposition PPP.”
The outgoing PPP government faced severe criticism for presenting a guard of honour to General Musharraf who was accused of violating the constitution.
Meanwhile, President Zardari has arranged a series of his own farewell receptions.
On August 22, he gave a reception to foreign diplomats, which was also attended by Sharif and leaders of the PPP.
Another reception being held for media persons yesterday is likely to be attended by a large number of journalists, anchorpersons, owners of media houses, bureaucrats and politicians.
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