President Asif Ali Zardari addressing the Second Golden Panda Awards international Culture Forum
VEHARI:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday predicted that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would return to power in the next 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 adviser Nawab Shehryar Khan, and Nawab Shehzad Khan, Zardari said the nation was once again looking toward democratic continuity, political stability, and experienced leadership.
“The PPP’s politics revolve 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, discussing regional and national matters, development priorities, and public concerns.
He lauded Nawab Shehryar Khan for his long-standing service to the PPP, describing him as a reliable and committed political ally, and praised Nawab Shehzad Khan for organising the gathering, mobilising workers, and supporting party activities.
In a major announcement, Nawab Shehzad Khan revealed plans to establish a free private university in Vehari at a cost of Rs 1 billion on a 10-acre campus. Zardari welcomed the initiative, directing 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 providing students with high-quality education and modern skills.
During his talks, the president emphasised 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 Federal Minister Nadeem Afzal Chan, and former Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mahmood accompanied the president. Extraordinary security arrangements were in place throughout the visit.
