He says the nation will face the challenges united and strong; Mocking Imran, says ex-PM crying after two years in jail
President Asif Zardari addresses a public meeting in Nawazabad in Rahim Yar Khan district. Photo: APP
RAHIM YAR KHAN:
President Asif Ali Zardari has said that the main challenge facing the country today is safeguarding Pakistan against internal and external threats, as hostile forces try to destabilize the nation through various means.
“Enemies of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision look at Pakistan with ill 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 also co-chairs the PPP, said while addressing a PPP workers’ convention 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 that leadership requires responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider themselves capable of fulfilling a responsibility should refrain from assuming it.
Zardari once again lashed 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 cries 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 recent efforts by the PTI and opposition parties to secure Imran’s transfer to the hospital and his 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 the PTI government, while the slain PPP president and his wife Benazir Bhutto spent five years in prison. “BB was then 34 years old. She was also the daughter of a prime minister. [Zulfikar Ali Bhutto]”, said.
Zardari spent a total of about 11 years in prison between 1990 and 2004. He was first arrested in 1990 after the ouster of Benazir Bhutto’s first government and faced a series of charges related to corruption, kidnapping and murder during the 1990s.
After Benazir’s second government was overthrown in 1996, he was imprisoned again and remained imprisoned for almost eight years without obtaining a conviction in most cases. Zardari was released on bail in 2004.
Benazir Bhutto spent periods in detention during military and civilian governments. After the 1977 coup by General Zia-ul-Haq, she was placed under house arrest and subsequently imprisoned several times between 1977 and 1984, including solitary confinement in Sukkur and Karachi.
President Zardari said the people and leadership of his party have deep historical roots in the region and are closely connected to the land. “We all have a debt with this land, and the best way to pay it is by serving the people and guaranteeing their well-being,” he stated.
He also maintained that public service remains the cornerstone of his political philosophy.
Responding 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, granted in-principle approval.
He expressed his preference for a medical university so that the local population could directly benefit from better facilities and health education.
He added that he would also discuss the matter with the chief minister and chief minister of Sindh to ensure the progress of the project. The PPP governs the province of Sindh.
Highlighting the importance of human capital, President Zardari observed that population growth, if managed effectively, can become a source of national wealth.
He stressed the need to strengthen the irrigation system to improve agricultural productivity, noting that better water management and increased effort could significantly increase crop yield per acre.
He encouraged farmers to focus on increasing production and maximizing the potential of the region’s fertile lands.
Referring to his previous tenure, President Zardari said he fully understands the importance of South 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 claimed that at that time 30 per cent of the development budget had been allocated to South Punjab, although in the end only 28 per cent could be utilised. Paying tributes to the party leaders, the President said former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s political vision remains unmatched.
She 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 that thanks to 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 maintains a strong position in southern Punjab and continues to enjoy overwhelming support in the region.
He expressed his satisfaction at the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the PPP supporters, stating that witnessing their passion and unity gives him immense pride.
Provincial Assembly Member Mumtaz Ali Khan said the most pressing issue in the area was law and order, which, thanks to the cooperation of the Sindh government and the efforts of the Punjab government, has now been brought under control to a large extent.
He said there was a time when residents could not go out at night for safety reasons, but the situation has improved significantly and now people can move freely.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari offered his deepest condolences to MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang on the demise of his mother and prayed for eternal peace of the deceased’s soul and for strength and patience for the bereaved family.
The meeting was attended by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, National MPs 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.
With APP input
