I convinced Nawaz to contest polls: Gul

LAHORE Turkish President Abdullah Gul has disclosed in his meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif at Ankara that it was he who convinced Nawaz Sharif to contest the last elections.
Gul said that he met Nawaz in Pakistan and insisted on his participation in elections besides he also telephoned him from Turkey for this purpose. He said that he not only asked for participation of Nawaz but also his brother Shahbaz in the elections. Gul further stated that he believed that obligations of democratic process in Pakistan could not be fulfilled without participation of Nawaz in the elections.
Shahbaz said on this occasion that by re-electing their leadership, people of Turkey have paid tributes to its role in the progress and development of the country. He also appreciated the role of President Abdullah Gul in constitutional reforms. He said the people of Pakistan will always remember the help and assistance of Turkish government and people for the earthquake affectees in 2005.
The Turkish President said that friendship between Pakistan and Turkey is unprecedented and these fraternal ties would continue to be transferred to the coming generations as well. Senior Advisor to Chief Minister, Sardar Zulfiqar Khosa, Chairman CMs Taskforce, Shuja Khanzada, Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resources, Ashraf Khan Sohna, Vice Chairman Punjab Board of Investment, Pir Saad Ehsan-ud-Din and Secretary CMs Advisory Council were also present on the occasion.