Says nation will face challenges united and strong; Mocks Imran, says ex-PM weeping after two years in jail
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 the foremost challenge facing the country today is to safeguard Pakistan against internal and external threats, as hostile forces are attempting to destabilise the nation through various means.
“Enemies of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision look at Pakistan with ill intent, 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 the 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 demands responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider themselves 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 at Adiala Jail, mocking the PTI founder’s alleged lack of courage and resilience.
“Imran Khan is weeping 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 PTI’s and opposition parties’ recent efforts to secure Imran’s transfer to hospital and release in view of his deteriorating right eye vision. Imran has been detained at Adiala Jail since September 2023.
According to Zardari, his sister, Faryal Talpur, was arrested during the PTI’s rule while PPP’s slain chairperson and his wife Benazir Bhutto spent five years in prison. “BB was then 34-year-old. 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 corruption, kidnapping and murder-related charges during the 1990s.
After Benazir’s second government was dismissed in 1996, he was jailed again and remained incarcerated for nearly eight years without securing a conviction in most cases. Zardari was released on bail in 2004.
Benazir Bhutto spent periods in detention during both military and civilian governments. After the 1977 coup by General Zia-ul-Haq, she was placed under house arrest and later imprisoned multiple 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 owe a debt to this soil, 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.
Responding to a demand raised by a local legislator, the president announced that the Sindh government would establish a university in the South Punjab district and he, in his capacity as the president, granted approval in principle.
He expressed his preference for a medical university so that the local population could benefit directly from improved healthcare education and facilities.
He added that he would also discuss the matter with the prime minister and the Sindh chief minister to ensure the project’s progress. The PPP rules the Sindh province.
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 enhance agricultural productivity, noting that improved water management and increased effort could significantly raise per-acre crop yields.
He encouraged farmers to focus on increasing production and maximising the potential of fertile land in the region.
Referring to his earlier 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 stated that 30 percent of the development budget had been allocated to South Punjab at the time, although only 28 percent could ultimately be utilised. Paying tribute to party leaders, the president said that the political vision of former PM Benazir Bhutto remains unparalleled.
He recalled that despite being advised not to return to Pakistan due to security threats, she chose to honour 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 attempting to mislead the youth and undermine national unity.
Other speakers
Punjab former governor Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood said the PPP holds a strong position in South Punjab and continues to enjoy overwhelming support in the region.
He expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm and commitment shown by PPP supporters, stating that witnessing their passion and unity brings him immense pride.
Member of Provincial Assembly Mumtaz Ali Khan said the most pressing issue of 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 significantly improved and people can now move freely.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari offered his heartfelt condolences to MPA Mumtaz Ali Chang on the demise of his mother and prayed for the departed soul’s eternal peace and for strength and patience for 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
