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

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

“We will together strengthen the hands of the establishment, strengthen our own hands, and strengthen the country,” the president said.

Zardari said the country must ensure food self-sufficiency and strengthen its economy to become more stable and stronger.

He reaffirmed the government’s aim to improve agriculture, raise per-acre yield, increase incomes and uplift people’s living standards.

The president 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.

Zardari 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 ex-president Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, ex-premier Benazir Bhutto, Murtaza Bhutto, and Shahnawaz Bhutto had “embraced martyrdom for Pakistan”.

“We exist because of Pakistan,” he added.

During his speech, 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 Modi had deprived the people of occupied Kashmir of their rights.

Recalling the May 2025 conflict, Zardari remarked that 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, the president added.