• Vows to strengthen ‘establishment’ and country together
• Reaffirms commitment to working within framework of 1973 Constitution
• Slams India over mistreatment of Muslims, denial of rights in held Kashmir

NAWABSHAH: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for concerted efforts to strengthen the federation, affirming that the government wanted Pakistan to make economic progress.

“We will together strengthen the hands of the establishment, streng­then our own hands, and strengthen the country,” the president said on Thursday, adding that the country must ensure food self-sufficiency and strengthen its economy to become more stable and stronger.

He made these remarks at a public gathering in Moro city, Naushahro Feroze district, where he interacted with local notables and elected members, and visited the residence of Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar.

The president reaffirmed the government’s aim to improve agriculture, raise per-acre yield, increase incomes and uplift people’s living standards. He said the government was aware of public difficulties and was working to address them with a focus on long-term benefits for future generations.

He noted that development plans in Gwadar were expected to bring positive economic change to both Balochistan and the country. He added that his party would continue to work within the framework of the 1973 Constitution while taking steps to empower citizens.

Referring to the Bhutto family, he said former prime ministers Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, Murtaza Bhutto and Shahnawaz Bhutto had “embraced martyrdom for Pakistan”. “We exist because of Pakistan,” he added.

“We will continue efforts to make people aware of the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto while further empowering citizens.”

During his speech, Mr Zardari criticised India for committing injustices against Muslims, pointing out that news about it was not being widely reported due to restrictions on the Indian media. He said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had deprived the people of occupied Kashmir of their rights.

Mr Zardari said that he knew “a narrow-minded man Modi”, who had once been chief minister and had imposed a “one-unit” concept in held Kashmir and made insensitive remarks about Kashmiri women, calling it a senseless mindset of a “baniya”.

Recalling the May 2025 conflict, the president said Pakistan had made India realise its military strength during the four-day military escalation, in which eight Indian aircraft were shot down. Pakistan could have caused more damage to India but chose to avoid escalation, he added.

“We could have shot down 40 aircraft that were on our radar, but we only targeted those that entered our territory, as the people of Pakistan do not believe in injustice,” he said.

The president added that Pakistan was not interested in war but in economic progress so that the living standards of the people could be improved.

He said the younger generation was intelligent and needed proper guidance, adding that efforts would be made to teach them modern agricultural practices to ensure food security in the country.

He said the Soviet Union did not collapse due to financial shortages but because of food shortages, adding that Pakistan is working to strengthen its economy.

President Zardari, who arrived in his hometown Nawabshah on Tuesday, offered Eidul Adha prayers at Zardari House on Wednesday, after which he met party notables of Shaheed Benazirabad, where his sister and Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho were also present.

Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, various ministers, MPAs and party leaders also visited Zardari House and met the president.

On Friday evening, President Zardari visited his ancestral graveyard and offered Fateha at the graves of his father late Hakim Ali Zardari, mother Begum Bilqees Sultana, and other relatives.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026