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RAHIM YAR KHAN: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that enduring hardship — including imprisonment — is the defining responsibility of a genuine political leader, criticising what he described as “so-called leaders” who, according to him, cannot withstand pressure. Addressing party workers and supporters in Jamaldin Wali, Rahim Yar Khan, he drew a sharp contrast between political struggle and what he termed performative complaints. Without uttering PTI founder Imran Khan’s name, he remarked that “some leaders have not even spent a year-and-a-half in jail and they start complaining — sometimes about their eyes hurting, sometimes about not getting milk.” He claimed that such statements were aimed at gaining media attention rather than demonstrating sacrifice.
He added that true leadership requires resilience and courage. “They cannot make sacrifices. They do not have the courage. They can only talk,” he added.
Recalling his own political journey, President Zardari referred to remarks he had previously made during a Geo News programme, stating that “prison starts asking about your condition after two years.” He reiterated that he spent 14 years in incarceration but remained steadfast. Describing prison as “also a place of worship,” he said those who remain patient and steadfast in confinement find spiritual strength.
At the same time, he stressed that no political worker should be arrested unnecessarily, arguing that such actions often strengthen resolve rather than weaken movements. Expressing confidence in the public’s support, President Zardari said the Pakistan Peoples Party represents the true voice of masses. Looking ahead, he voiced optimism about the party’s political future, predicting that the PPP would one day secure a two-thirds majority in parliament and that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would become the prime minister.
Highlighting the principle of public ownership in national progress, President Zardari said, “A country is made by its people. It belongs to the people. National assets should not be sold.”
Separately, President Asif Zardari said the PPP chose not to join the incumbent government because its advice and instructions were not followed, expressing confidence that the party would secure a clear majority in the next general election.
Addressing a public gathering at the residence of former Punjab governor Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmood in Jamaldin Wali, Zardari predicted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would become the next prime minister and that the PPP would also form governments in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Highlighting South Punjab as a priority region, he noted that prime ministers and governors had been selected from the area during his tenure.
President Zardari, who is on a three-day visit to Rahim Yar Khan, concluded his address in Saraiki to enthusiastic applause.
