Islamabad, Sep 1: A government in Pakistan that is formed on the basis of “national consensus”, is the only solution to all problems faced by the country, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-chairman and presidential candidate Asif Ali Zardari, has said.

“A government of national consensus is the need of the hour and after my election as president, my party will work for political and national unity,” Daily Times quoted Zardari as saying.

“When the going gets tough, the tough gets going,” Zardari said while expressing the view that the government would handle all economic, political and security challenges effectively and efficiently.

When asked about his party’s strategy for Punjab, Zardari said: “We need to strengthen the federation and this is possible only when we create national unity.”

The PPP would formulate a strategy to form governments of national consensus both at the centre and in the provinces, he added.

“It’s a fleeting moment and the politicians must seize the opportunity to save the nation and the federation,” he said.

He also agreed that the situation in Balochistan and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) is alarming, but added: “It’s not an easy task, but it’s our responsibility to steer the country out of all crises.”

Asked about his top three priorities, Zardari repeatedly replied: “Poverty alleviation, poverty alleviation and poverty alleviation.” (ANI)