President Asif Ali Zardari visited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s residence in Model Town, Lahore, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, to discuss the country’s political, economic, and security situation. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz warmly received Zardari upon his arrival.
During the meeting, Shehbaz briefed Zardari on his recent visit to Türkiye and his participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), where he highlighted Pakistan’s efforts in climate action. The two leaders exchanged views on "cooperation among allied parties, continuation of consultation and progress on public welfare projects," the Prime Minister’s Office stated. They reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen economic stability and accelerate the country’s development process.
The meeting took place amid a renewed political debate regarding the creation of new provinces. This debate followed a proposal by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for a referendum on the issue, a move that has gained support from some Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leaders. While some sections of the PML-N have raised constitutional questions about whether elected representatives could override a people's verdict in a referendum, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has shown opposition to any move to divide Sindh.
The meeting occurred just two days after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Zardari in Nawabshah. Although media reports suggested they discussed the possible formation of new provinces, the President’s House clarified that "no such discussion" took place, stating that "matters concerning national security and the regional situation" were the focus of that meeting.
Zardari and his sister, PPP Women's Wing President Faryal Talpur, are in Lahore primarily to attend a family wedding, with Talpur already present in the city.
The meeting was attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and MNA Mian Hamza Shehbaz Sharif.
