President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: Noticias Express/ Archive
ISLAMABAD:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for collective efforts to “strengthen the hands of the establishment”, saying political stability, economic self-reliance and institutional strength were essential to move the country forward.
Addressing a public meeting in Moro town of Naushahro Feroze district of Sindh during a visit to the residence of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, the President said Pakistan needed to strengthen both the State and its institutions, while focusing on long-term economic progress and public welfare.
“Together we will strengthen the hands of the establishment, we will strengthen our own and we will strengthen the country,” President Zardari said, addressing party workers and local residents.
He added that “governing the country is the real challenge.”
The President emphasized the need to provide people with economic empowerment and said that the agricultural sector must adopt modern technology in line with contemporary requirements.
He said Pakistan needed to ensure food self-sufficiency and strengthen its economy to become more stable and resilient.
He said efforts were being made to improve agriculture, increase yield per acre, increase income and improve living standards.
Zardari said the government was aware of the public’s economic hardships and was working to address them through policies aimed at generating long-term benefits for future generations.
He said that the projects linked to Gwadar were expected to bring positive economic change not only to Balochistan but also to the country as a whole.
He said Pakistan had taught India “a lesson it will not forget” during the week-long conflict.
“When the Indian planes were shot down, they came to their senses,” Zardari said, adding that Pakistan had shot down “those eight planes that had dropped bombs on innocent Pakistanis.”
Talking about the political direction of his party, the President said that the Pakistan People’s Party would continue to work within the framework of the 1973 Constitution while taking steps aimed at empowering citizens.
