President Asif Ali Zardari addresses the Second Golden Panda Awards International Cultural Forum
VEHARI:
President Asif Ali Zardari predicted on Monday that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would return to power in the next election term and party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would become prime minister with a two-thirds majority in parliament.
Speaking at a dinner hosted at Shafqat Palace by former prime minister’s advisor Nawab Shehryar Khan and Nawab Shehzad Khan, Zardari said the nation is once again looking towards democratic continuity, political stability and experienced leadership.
“PPP’s policy revolves around strengthening democratic institutions, providing economic relief to ordinary citizens and protecting the federation,” he told the gathering. “The party has consistently sought constitutional and democratic solutions to national challenges.”
The dinner reception was attended by political and social leaders, traders, lawyers and party workers. Zardari also held separate meetings with local traders, lawyers and political and social figures where they discussed regional and national affairs, development priorities and public concerns.
He praised Nawab Shehryar Khan for his many years of service to the PPP, describing him as a reliable and committed political ally, and praised Nawab Shehzad Khan for organizing the fundraiser, mobilizing workers and supporting party activities.
In a major announcement, Nawab Shehzad Khan unveiled plans to set up a free private university in Vehari at a cost of Rs 1 billion on a 10-acre campus. Welcoming the initiative, Zardari ordered that the university be named after Nawab Shehzad Khan’s late mother, framing it as a memorial that would promote education and research in the region.
He expressed hope that the institution would play a key role in imparting quality education and modern skills to the students.
During his talks, the President stressed the importance of democratic traditions, political dialogue and constitutional supremacy, stressing that political tolerance, institutional harmony and adherence to the rule of law are essential for national progress.
Punjab Governor Salim Haider Khan, former Union Minister Nadeem Afzal Chan and former Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood accompanied the President. Extraordinary security measures were in place throughout the visit.
