Says the nation will face challenges united and strong; Mocking Imran, former prime minister says tearfully after two years in prison
President Asif Zardari addresses a public gathering in Nawazabad in Rahim Yar Khan district. Photo: APP
RAHIM YAR KHAN:
President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the biggest challenge facing the country today is to protect Pakistan from internal and external threats as hostile forces are trying to destabilize the nation through various means.
“Enemies of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision are looking at Pakistan with bad intentions, but the nation, united with the strength of its people, will not only respond firmly but will also protect and strengthen the country,” Zardari, who is also co-chairman of the PPP, said while addressing a PPP workers’ congress in South Punjab district on Sunday.
The President stated that the PPP represents the federation and carries the true spirit of national unity. He said leadership requires responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider himself capable of fulfilling a responsibility should refrain from assuming it.
Zardari once again hit out at PTI founder Imran Khan, who is facing health complications during his incarceration in Adiala jail, mocking the PTI founder’s alleged lack of courage and resilience.
“Imran Khan is crying like a woman after two years in jail while I spent 14 years behind bars [without complaining]” he added.
The President was apparently referring to the recent efforts of the PTI and opposition parties to secure Imran’s transfer to the hospital and release in view of his deteriorating vision in his right eye. Imran has been detained in Adiala Jail since September 2023.
According to Zardari, his sister, Faryal Talpur, was arrested during PTI’s rule, while PPP’s slain chairman and his wife Benazir Bhutto spent five years in jail. “BB was 34 at the time. She was also the daughter of a prime minister [Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]he said.
Zardari spent a total of about 11 years in prison between 1990 and 2004. He was first arrested in 1990 after the dismissal of Benazir Bhutto’s first government and faced a series of charges of corruption, kidnapping and murder in the 1990s.
After Benazir’s second government was ousted in 1996, he was imprisoned again and remained imprisoned for almost eight years without securing a conviction in most cases. Zardari was released on bail in 2004.
Benazir Bhutto spent periods in detention under both military and civilian governments. After General Zia-ul-Haq’s coup in 1977, she was placed under house arrest and later imprisoned several times between 1977 and 1984, including solitary confinement in Sukkur and Karachi.
President Zardari said that the people and leadership of his party have deep historical roots in the region and are closely connected with the country. “We all owe a debt to this earth and the best way to repay it is by serving the people and ensuring their welfare,” he said.
He further maintained that public service remains the cornerstone of his political philosophy.
In response to a demand raised by a local legislator, the President announced that the Sindh government would establish a university in the southern Punjab district and he, in his capacity as President, gave in-principle approval.
He expressed his preference for a medical university so that the local population could benefit directly from improved health education and facilities.
He added that he would also discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and Sindh Chief Minister to ensure the progress of the project. The OPP governs Sindh province.
President Zardari highlighted the importance of human capital and noted that population growth, if managed effectively, can become a source of national wealth.
He emphasized the need to strengthen the irrigation system to increase agricultural productivity, noting that improved water management and increased efforts could significantly increase crop yields per hectare.
He urged farmers to focus on increasing production and maximizing the potential of fertile land in the region.
Referring to his previous tenure, President Zardari said that he fully understands the importance of southern Punjab and recalled that he had appointed Yusuf Raza Gilani as Prime Minister and Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood as Governor of Punjab to ensure development and representation.
He stated that 30 percent of the development budget had been allocated to South Punjab at that time, though only 28 percent could ultimately be utilized. Paying tribute to the party leaders, the President said former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s political vision remains unparalleled.
He recalled that despite being advised not to return to Pakistan due to security threats, she chose to honor her commitment to the people and returned, fully aware of the risks involved.
He said because of PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he continues to receive love and respect from the public. Addressing the situation in Balochistan, President Zardari warned against elements trying to mislead the youth and undermine national unity.
Other speakers
Former Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood said the PPP has a strong position in southern Punjab and continues to enjoy overwhelming support in the region.
Expressing satisfaction over the enthusiasm and commitment shown by PPP supporters, he stated that witnessing their passion and unity brings him immense pride.
Member of the Provincial Assembly Mumtaz Ali Khan said that the most pressing issue in the area was law and order, which through the cooperation of the Sindh government and the efforts of the Punjab government has now been largely brought under control.
He stated that there was a time when residents were unable to step out at night due to security concerns, but the situation has greatly improved and people can now move freely.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari condoled MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang on the death of his mother and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and patience to the bereaved family.
Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, MNAs Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mahmood and Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmood, MPA Sardar Raees Nabeel, Sindh Provincial Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari and a large number of party workers attended the gathering.
With input from APP
