He declares that the nation will face the challenges by being united and strong; Mocks Imran, says ex-PM cries after two years in prison
President Asif Zardari addresses a public rally in Nawazabad in Rahim Yar Khan district. Photo: APP
RAHIM YAR KHAN:
President Asif Ali Zardari said that the main challenge facing the country today is to protect Pakistan from internal and external threats, as hostile forces try to destabilize the nation through various means.
“The enemies of Quaid-e-Azam’s vision are looking at Pakistan with evil intentions, but the nation, united with the strength of its people, will not only respond strongly but also protect and strengthen the country,” Zardari, who also co-chairs the PPP, said while speaking at a convention of PPP workers in South Punjab district on Sunday.
The President said the PPP represents the federation and carries the true spirit of national unity. He said leadership requires responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider himself capable of shouldering responsibility should refrain from assuming it.
Zardari once again attacked PTI founder Imran Khan, who is facing health issues while incarcerated in Adiala jail, mocking the PTI founder’s alleged lack of courage and resilience.
“Imran Khan cries like a woman after two years in prison 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 get Imran transferred to hospital and released in view of his deteriorating vision in his right eye. Imran has been detained in Adiala Prison since September 2023.
According to Zardari, his sister, Faryal Talpur, was arrested during PTI rule while the assassinated PPP chairman 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]” 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 charges of corruption, kidnapping and murder during the 1990s.
After the overthrow of Benazir’s second government in 1996, he was imprisoned again and remained incarcerated for almost eight years without obtaining a conviction in most cases. Zardari was released on bail in 2004.
Benazir Bhutto spent periods in detention under both military and civilian governments. After General Zia-ul-Haq’s 1977 coup, she was placed under house arrest and subsequently imprisoned several times between 1977 and 1984, including in solitary confinement in Sukkur and Karachi.
President Zardari said the people and leaders of his party have deep historical roots in the region and are closely linked to the land. “We all owe a debt to this soil, and the best way to repay it is to serve the people and ensure their well-being,” he said.
He further maintained that public service remains the cornerstone of his political philosophy.
Responding to a request made by a local lawmaker, the President announced that the Sindh government would establish a university in the South Punjab district and, in his capacity as President, gave his approval in principle.
He expressed his preference for a medical university so that the local population could directly benefit from improved education and health care facilities.
He added that he would also discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and Sindh Chief Minister to ensure 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 efforts could significantly increase crop yields per acre.
He encouraged farmers to focus on increasing production and maximizing the potential of fertile lands in the region.
Referring to his earlier tenure, President Zardari said that he fully understood 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 said 30 percent of the development budget was allocated to southern Punjab at the time, although only 28 percent could ultimately be used. Paying tribute to party leaders, the President said the political vision of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto remains unprecedented.
He recalled that although she was advised not to return to Pakistan due to threats to her security, 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, it 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 has a strong position in southern Punjab and continues to enjoy massive support in the region.
He expressed satisfaction at the enthusiasm and commitment shown by PPP supporters, saying witnessing their passion and unity brings him immense pride.
Member of the Provincial Assembly Mumtaz Ali Khan said that the most pressing problem in the region was law and order, which, thanks to the cooperation of the Sindh government and the efforts of the Punjab government, has now been largely brought under control.
He said there was a time when residents could not go out at night for security reasons, but the situation has improved significantly and people can now move around freely.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari extended sincere condolences to MP Mumtaz Ali Chang over the demise of his mother and prayed for eternal peace of the deceased’s soul and strength and patience of the bereaved family.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Makhdoom MPs Syed Mustafa Mahmood and Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmood, Sardar MP Raees Nabeel, Sindh Provincial Minister Haji Ali Hassan Zardari and a large number of party members attended the rally.
With the contribution of the APP
