RAHIM YAR KHAN
\nPresident Asif Ali Zardari has said that 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.
\nAddressing a public gathering, he stated that enemies of Quaid-e-Azam\u2019s 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.
\nThe president stated that the Pakistan People\u2019s Party represents the federation and carries the true spirit of national unity. He remarked that leadership demands responsibility and courage, adding that anyone who does not consider themselves capable of fulfilling a responsibility should refrain from assuming it. In an apparent reference to political opponents, he said that true leadership requires resilience and steadfastness rather than fear or retreat.
\nPresident Zardari stated that people and leadership of his party have deep historical roots in the region and are closely connected to the land. \u201cWe all owe a debt to this soil, and the best way to repay it is by serving the people and ensuring their welfare,\u201d he said. He further maintained that public service remains the cornerstone of his political philosophy.
\nResponding to a demand raised by a local legislator, the president announced that the Sindh government would establish a university in the area and, in his capacity as 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 Chief Minister of Sindh to ensure the project\u2019s progress.
\nHighlighting 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.
\nReferring 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.
\nPaying tribute to party leaders, the President said that the political vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto remains unparalleled. He recalled that despite being advised by friendly countries 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 Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he continues to receive love and respect from the public.
\nAddressing the situation in Balochistan, President Zardari warned against elements attempting to mislead the youth and undermine national unity.
\nFormer Governor of Punjab Makhdoom Ahmad Mahmood said that the Pakistan Peoples Party holds a strong position in South Punjab and continues to enjoy overwhelming support in the region. Addressing party workers, he expressed satisfaction over the enthusiasm and commitment shown by PPP supporters, stating that witnessing their passion and unity brings him immense pride.
\nMember of Provincial Assembly Mumtaz Ali Khan said that 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. Addressing a gathering, 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.
\nEarlier, 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\u2019s eternal peace and for strength and patience for the bereaved family.
\nGovernor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider, Members of the National Assembly Makhdoom Syed Mustafa Mahmood and Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mahmood, MPA Sardar Raees Nabeel, Provincial Minister Sindh Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, and a large number of party workers attended the gathering.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
RAHIM YAR KHAN President Asif Ali Zardari has said that 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. Addressing a public gathering, he stated that enemies of Quaid-e-Azam\u2019s vision look at Pakistan with ill intent, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-531537","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n