LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said on Thursday if Asif Ali Zardari became a hurdle in the way of timely elections, then this stain could not be washed away for decades.

Speaking to media at the Punjab Assembly, the provincial minister said democracy requires timely elections in the country. He questioned whether the former president has this attitude because of personal resentment or to please someone.

Sanaullah, however, urged Zardari to regard the heritage of reconciliatory politics.

Fourth time's not the charm: Zardari refuses to meet Nawaz Sharif again

Former president foils ex-prime minister?s attempt for the fourth time in three months

The provincial minister's comments came hours after Zardari reportedly refused to meet former premier Nawaz Sharif on Thursday, foiling the latter?s attempts for a meeting for the fourth time within three months.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman was quoted as saying that the former prime minister "only remembers democratic promises where his interests are concerned."

"Nawaz Sharif is responsible for the current political situation of the country. Meeting him or shaking his hand is [out of the question]," the PPP co-chairman was quoted as saying.

Commenting on the ongoing sit-in in Islamabad, he said his party's government in the centre wants to end it without the use of force.

"Those staging the sit-in have no political demands," the minister said. "Everyone trusts the committee led by Raja Zafarul Haq and there is hope for a breakthrough in a week."

Criticising the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman, Sanaullah termed Imran Khan a "tool of non-democratic forces."