I don’t think talks can be held with President Zardari on any matter: Shahbaz Sharif. -File Photo

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday he did not trust President Asif Ali Zardari and was not ready to discuss any national issue with the PPP co-chairman.

Answering a question during an interview with a private television channel about Mr Zardari’s statement that he was ready to meet PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, the chief minister said he didn’t trust the PPP co-chairman.

“It is largely because he uses national issues as a bargaining chip. One cannot deal with such a person,” Mr Sharif remarked.

Earlier, talking to media personnel at the airport after his return from Turkey, he said: “I don’t think talks can be held with President Zardari on any matter.”

In reply to a question regarding an offer of $1 billion loan by Turkey, he said the amount could be utilised for public welfare projects.

About gas loadshedding in Punjab, Mr Sharif said he would move the court over the issue. Shahbaz Sharif said he had had meetings with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, the mayor of Istanbul and members of parliament to explore prospects for Turkish collaboration in welfare projects.

He said agreements had been signed for cooperation in technical education, transport and energy sectors. He said talks were also held with the Istanbul municipality regarding a proposed agreement on assistance for a solid waste management project.