Asif Zardari decries 'invasion of Sindh' by federal government

E-Paper | March 19, 2026

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday said that the the federal government has compromised on country's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah's principle of adherence to the Constitution by 'invading the province of Sindh'.

In a statement released by PPP's media cell, Zardari warned that the nation will slip into the quagmire of instability and uncertainty if the Constitution was trampled in this manner.

In his message of the eve of the 139th birth anniversary of the father of the nation, Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Zardari called upon the people of Pakistan to adhere to principles set by him in order to banish the militant and extremist mindset.

The former president maintained that every worker of the party will continue to fight for these values to make Pakistan a truly democratic state where constitution reigns supreme.

It is pertinent to note here that the federal government on December 22, rejected the summary sent to it by Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah seeking to curtail powers of Rangers deployed in the province.

The interior ministry in a letter to the chief secretary of Sindh made it clear that the paramilitary force would continue to operate in the province with full powers.

PPP leadership reacted with dissent and anger to the decison, with Zardari's spokesman Farhatullah Babar also terming it an invasion of Sindh.

"The PPP will not permit this invasion of the provincial domain and warns against its consequences for the political stability of the federation," said the PPP senator.

Babar said that in the light of Article 147 of the Constitution, it is abundantly clear that the imposition of certain conditions on the authority of the Rangers as well as seeking ratification of those limitations from the Provincial Assembly is well within the constitutional rights of the provincial government.

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Pakistan

Rangers’ powers: PPP decries federal govt decision, calls it ‘invasion of Sindh’

Centre rejects Sindh summary on Rangers’ powers

CM extends special powers of Rangers for 60 days

syed wasim haider

Dec 24, 2015 10:01pm

It is PPP government's inefficiency which led to this situation. Negotiation is the best answer otherwise will lose more.

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ali

Dec 24, 2015 10:08pm

The conditions of the authority that were given to the Rangers by the Sindh government on the directives of Zardari were for all the wrong reasons he wanted to protect the corrupt.The Feds did the right thing.The operation was also ordered by former CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry because the Sindh government failed in its responsibilities of protecting the life and property of its citizens.

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Zulfiqar

Dec 24, 2015 10:45pm

The 18th amendment and abolishment of the concurrent list skewed the power balance to the provinces leaving a toothless center. This anomaly would have to be corrected. The powers of the federal govt should be increased and at the same time representation of the smaller provinces at the center should also be increased.

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harith

Dec 24, 2015 10:50pm

Let the corrupt shout and cry foul. Operation clean up must go on. They should not be allowed to play Sindh card by sindhi people who have also been looted.

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kirther

Dec 24, 2015 10:58pm

Mr. Zardari is democracy the other name of large scale corruption, Rangers have not invaded Sind but their efforts to clean-up Sind from corrupt political elements is highly appreciated by Karachi tax payers, major contributor to national exchequer. Everybody knowns that prior to first PPP 'Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto's' government corruption was unknown, it was introduced on large scale by PPP government in seventies, now you want to carry out his legacy unhindered.

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Muhammad

Dec 24, 2015 11:01pm

Rangers is simply trying to free us from the invasion of Sindh from those corrupt politicians. I am supporting the decision.

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Abbas

Dec 24, 2015 11:04pm

Bigger worms have to eat smaller worms if they are not supplied enough food or food has been eaten by middle sized worms.

Recommend 0

Dec 24, 2015 11:07pm

"Jinnah had envisioned a democratic and progressive Pakistan where there will be rule of law and every citizen will have equal opportunities to advance without any prejudice of religion, cast and creed. The need to follow this philosophy was never as great as it is now," - Yes, Zardari is correct in quoting Jinnah, but Pakistan has become a religious republic after the death of Jinnah and only parliament can perform path correction. It is also a historical fact that it was the PPP government in the early 1970's which was instrumental in strengthening the religious nature of the republic, so why complain?

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haider shaikh

Dec 24, 2015 11:12pm

Look who's talking about Jinnah's democratic Pakistan!

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Shaukat Ali Khan

Dec 24, 2015 11:22pm

It is not invasion of Sindh. Majority of Sindhis are simple, honest, trusting people. Federal Government's action is against the looter vedaras.

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Khalil

Dec 24, 2015 11:30pm

Mr. Zardari has no right to make statements just to play politics and cry for democracy. He is one among the politician, the top one who has deteriorated the democratic institutions for the sake of his dirty politics. If he is so innocent and loyal to the nation and democracy, he should come back to Pakistan and face the charges.

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Lala

Dec 24, 2015 11:40pm

The security of Pakistan is the prime responsibility of the Armed Forces. This means it should come under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Approval of the provinces should not be sought. If that is not the case, the constitution must be amended. Amen

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Jalaluddin S. Hussain

Dec 24, 2015 11:51pm

Had the former President of Pakistan, Zardari, issued the statement from Islamabad or any other city of Pakistan, it would have made more sense. In any case reflecting the following view about the founder of the nation is quite relevant to December 25, 2015: "Jinnah had envisioned a democratic and progressive Pakistan where there will be rule of law and every citizen will have equal opportunities to advance without any prejudice of religion, cast and creed. The need to follow this philosophy was never as great as it is now...."

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Emad

Dec 25, 2015 12:08am

No to zardaris no to PPP yes to Pakistan Rangers

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Lala

Dec 25, 2015 12:08am

Zardari is in self exile. He should keep quiet. If he wants to make statements, he must return home.

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Kamran

Dec 25, 2015 12:13am

Corrupt to the core is talking about Jinnahs Pakistan.

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Someone

Dec 25, 2015 12:19am

Nobody wants you or PPP anymore Mr. Zardari, please wake up and make yourself disappear!

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Inherent-right

Dec 25, 2015 12:30am

When your Sindh Govt usurped the powers of Karachi Mayor,and hold funds of LG what was that? Your object for utilizing Rangers service for only protocol duty is not valid now.Rangers are here to protect masses,and main commercial hub of Pakistan,whole of Pakistan is a stakeholder,and just can't be left at mercy of corrupt and immorals.

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M.Saeed

Dec 25, 2015 12:34am

Who invaded and captured PPP of Bhuttos? Is Bilawal a Bhutto or Zardari? He can't be both.

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Syed Hussain Akbari

Dec 25, 2015 12:35am

@AW You are right AW. It was the greatest of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to bow down before the Clerics ( Mullas) and bring totally irrelevantly changed Constitution. It gave enough fodder to Zia ul Haque to destruct Pskistan. Since then Quaid-e-Azam is changing sides in his grave.

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pakistani

Dec 25, 2015 12:40am

First please come to pakistan and face all cases to prove that you support democracy

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gerry dcunha

Dec 25, 2015 12:56am

Mr zardari you are the main cause of destruction in sindh - you appointed an inefficient puppet chief minister of sindh for 9 years for your own motive reason

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Cyrus

Dec 25, 2015 01:01am

Who's he?

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Abdulla Hussain

Dec 25, 2015 01:01am

Say democracy is the best revenge but practice corruption is the best revenge.

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Cyrus

Dec 25, 2015 01:04am

@Zulfiqar ... Without strong national government Pakistan can kiss new economic growth goodbye.

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Changez_Khan

Dec 25, 2015 01:05am

I wonder if Zardari knows anything what's written in Constitution and what it means?

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Cyrus

Dec 25, 2015 01:07am

@harith ..... The corrupt are denying life saving health care to babies.

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Khanra

Dec 25, 2015 01:16am

Invasion of Sindh? PPP is worse than any invader. Under their rule Sindh has experienced no development despite having so many favorable factors. Aside from corruption, PPP is completely incompetent and still adheres to disproven Socialist theory, though of course they blame Punjab for all problems. Gujarat and Sindh are similar, but look how much better Gujurat has done with competent leadership. More than corruption, incompetence is why PPP is a disaster.

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Cyrus

Dec 25, 2015 01:18am

@Jalaluddin S. Hussain ..... but not Sindh's rule of law.

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rizwan

Dec 25, 2015 01:21am

Zardari should not preach democracy!The ubiquitous Sindh card has always been fancied by the PPP leadership to achieve sinister ends!Zardari-if he considers himself a leader should return from wherever he has absconded and lead the party already in its twilight, having himself brought it to this sorry state!

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Cyrus

Dec 25, 2015 01:25am

Sindh was already Pakistan's prime example of instability before the Rangers began their clean up.

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Syed Husain

Dec 25, 2015 01:39am

Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and his sister should come to Pakistan and then they can give a statement or offer an opinion. Please understand that sitting in Dubai and giving statements does not make any sense.

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lmk

Dec 25, 2015 01:42am

Poor Jinnah must turn in his grave. That Zardari quote him, what irony!!

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Shah

Dec 25, 2015 01:43am

It is not the invasion of Sindh, it is the invasion on corrupt people of Sindh. PPP has to realise that time has changed, you can not use SINDH CARD any more.

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Skeptic

Dec 25, 2015 01:46am

A lecture from the one and only, exalted Mr. Zardari, delivered from the comforts of self-imposed exile!

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Naxalite

Dec 25, 2015 01:49am

Oh Really?

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Pak Patriot

Dec 25, 2015 02:05am

Zardari is out to left field. A federal govt cannot invade it's own country. Zardari wants to protect, the corrupt rich waderas of Sindh, who want to continue living their immoral lives, by sucking the blood of the people and looting the wealth of the province of Sindh. If Zardari is innocent, why does he fear the Rangers in Sindh ?

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Ali

Dec 25, 2015 02:16am

Does he know what DEMORACY is? During his tenure as PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN what did do for the Country. All his PMs were uneducated, Corrupt and looters. Now since the Rangers are taking care of the mess he left, he does not like it.

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M Jamal

Dec 25, 2015 02:27am

We will support Zardari vision provided he give complete autonomy and powers to Mayor office of Karachi and Hyderabad as being followed in London,New Delhi and Dacca.The champion of democracy will be crowned by Karachites.

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Ajaz

Dec 25, 2015 02:39am

PPP and Sindh Government is opposing NAP to protect their corrupt members and corruption, majority people of Pakistan including Sindhis are in favor of NAP's actions against all corrupt politicians and bureaucrats and they should have the freedom to carry on with their jobs without any obstacles created by the people who are subject to the investigation. That means they have something to hide and they are afraid of getting caught.

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daanish

Dec 25, 2015 02:55am

Mr. Zardari from Dubai your days are over. We the citizens know your real face. STOP FOOLING PEOPLE.

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Kamal Pasha

Dec 25, 2015 02:57am

When the action was against MQM, Zardari was happy. When the action is against PPP it is invasion.

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Pakistani

Dec 25, 2015 03:23am

During zardari government the country is going in hell especially sindh Karachi

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Syed Meerza

Dec 25, 2015 03:27am

Rangers has been brought to fight and eradicate terrorism.Hence they should also be allowed to deal with economic terrorism( corruption in other word). Mr.zardari should not try to hide his support of corrupt people in the guise of lamenting of invasion of Sindh.If Nawaz Sharif falls for his threatening outburst,we will take it that he too is in favor of supporting corrupt people.Do what you can. Terrorism of all kinds should be eradicated completely.Only then Pakistan can move forward.

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ailly

Dec 25, 2015 03:35am

these leader are portraying them as 'untouchables' in contrast they are not worthy of even giving their statement's a coverage in our local media.

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Shahid

Dec 25, 2015 04:11am

Give my money back Mr. Zardari before you talk about my constitution.

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sachin

Dec 25, 2015 04:13am

Why has Sindh been singled out as a problem child ? What do the ruling Punjab elites really want in Sindh ? Why can't they work under constitutional framework ? PPP is a democratically elected party. They should be fully respected.

Recommend 0

Dec 25, 2015 04:30am

Mr. Zardari! Did you and PPP ever adhere to the principles outlined in your message?

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bhgora-poji

Dec 25, 2015 05:02am

@Emad No Rangers too.

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ZulfiPaki

Dec 25, 2015 05:43am

Quaid e Azam envisoned democracy in Pakistan therefore by following this rule majority of people are supporting Rangers operation in Sindh. I hope Zardari knows what democracy means.

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Jawad

Dec 25, 2015 05:54am

@pakistani ...we said.

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Long Man

Dec 25, 2015 06:05am

People of Pakistan decree 'Invasion of PPP' by Asif Zardari Mr. Zardari you have done what was the dream of Gen Zia to destroy PPP. You have done his job.

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People of Pakistan

Dec 25, 2015 06:08am

@ali - Why Zardari and How can he issue directives to an elected CM, Zardari is NOT an elected higher than the CM, he is a Co-Chairman of a Political Party, he has nothing to do with the Government affairs, his job was to guide the party up to the elections, that's it. Have any one heard that David Kamron has received directives from so and so party Chairman or President Obama has received directives from Chairman DNC, it's the Pakistan who has this nonsense system, where all these Corrupt people enjoy everything, even eating and drink, leave the protocol, servants and other perks at public expense, NO one is challenging these, because others are also in the same boat. Now is the time, recover all expense from everyone who has enjoyed protocol, government perks, must be recovered and deposited into National Bank of Pakistan.

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dawn

Dec 25, 2015 06:40am

Zardari sahib you invaded Pakistan!

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Fatima

Dec 25, 2015 06:50am

People are completely fed-up with the politicians and all political parties. Interest of people comes first not the politicians or political families. People want peace and they want Rangers to bring peace and stability in all provinces of Pakistan, because politicians have failed to give peace and stability to Pakistan. If corruption is not eliminated this time we will have a bleak future.

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Sheeda Tully

Dec 25, 2015 07:30am

PPP should resign from the Sindh Assembly and seeks a fresh mandate from AWAAM

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Zafar Ahmed

Dec 25, 2015 07:39am

@ali The truth is that all wanted to protect the corrupts in Pakistan and the accountability should be across the board and not limited to Sindh. Rangers to go all out for operation clean up all over Pakistan it should cover all sort of evils from the society . Better sense to prevail !

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Corruption Remover

Dec 25, 2015 07:43am

He and corrupt leaders like him only live in Pakistan when they are in power. Sad part is fools still keep voting for so called leaders like him Pakistan is going no where as long as stupid mentality to support corrupt leaders exist in Pakistan

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logicaldude

Dec 25, 2015 10:42am

Hay why make statements from so far away, let's sit together and talk, when are you coming back.

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aslam shaikh

Dec 25, 2015 11:52am

Our king has spoken, we should obey

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NAM

Dec 25, 2015 03:12pm

I would love to join the group of people criticizing Zardari. However, we are forgetting that selective justice is not justice at all. Today, the crimes whether terrorism related, corruption related, social crimes against deprived are worst in Punjab. Even Punjab government's selective law enforcement is worst than anywhere else. Yet no rangers in Punjab. So let us first ask for justice for all.

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Owais Bayunus

Dec 25, 2015 09:55pm

But where is the file and how it git lost. If the government is not involved then there should be severe punishment for removing the file and cheating my country, Pakistan.

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sarwar

Dec 26, 2015 10:57am

Coward leader of Pakistan

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Darka

Dec 27, 2015 11:36am

Zardari has got a lot to hide! Sindh will benefit from this cleanup and tourism will bring a lot of money to Pakistan.

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