President Asif Ali Zardari addresses local leaders and former ticket holders of the party in Rahim Yar Khan. Photo: APP
RAHIM YAR KHAN:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday reiterated his resolve to steer the country towards economic recovery, strengthen national unity and uphold the ideological legacy of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Addressing the local leadership and former ticket holders of the party from southern Punjab, he said that being there felt like being in his home province of Sindh, noting that the culture across both regions reflected unity and shared traditions and heritage.
Expressing pride in having spent about 14 years in prison, he stated that he endured those years with courage, thanks to the unwavering support and indomitable will of party workers.
In an apparent reference to a political rival now in opposition, he noted that true leadership was tested in hard times, contrasting his long imprisonment with others who, despite spending a shorter period behind bars and having all facilities, could not withstand the pressure.
The president acknowledged that the country was facing economic difficulties and inflation, but attributed the situation to the mismanagement of the previous four-year government. He said the current Prime Minister was making sincere efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure smooth governance despite several challenges.
Zardari highlighted national security concerns and pointed to tensions along international borders, saying hostile forces remained active.
He criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said their latest defeat last year made sense across the border. He praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their continued sacrifices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and emphasized that they have always defended the country with courage and faith.
He emphasized the importance of providing modern facilities to farmers to accelerate agricultural growth, ensure food security and national progress.
President Zardari also appreciated the services of senior political figures from southern Punjab, including Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood and the Gillani family, stating that their contributions have strengthened the political landscape of the region.
Affirming the ideological foundation of the party, he said that the vision initiated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was carried forward by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and continued under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
He expressed optimism that economic conditions would soon improve and promised that the party would continue to strive to secure a better future for the country’s youth.
