President Zardari extends full support to PML-N in fighting against extremism

http://mediacellppp.wordpress.com/

President Asif Ali Zardari extended full support to the new government of the PML-N in addressing the economic issues and in its fight against extremism and terrorism. He was speaking at a dinner he hosted in honour of the journalists here at the President House that was part of a series of farewell dinners, as the President concludes his five-year term in the office. President Zardari said the Opposition, however has a right to criticise the policies of the government where necessary in the national interest.The President said his tenure has been marked with “accomplishments” in many areas as well as some “failures” and proved his word that he had uttered in Garhi Khuda Bux that “we have come to make history, not to make headlines.” He said scarcity of resources in a country, with a growing population, were a major impediment in implementation of his welfare agenda. “I have no regrets, while leaving the office of the President,” Zardari said and pointed that he transferred all his powers to the Parliament and strengthened the democracy. He said he was satisfied as he was leaving this House today, with honour, peace and total responsibility. He said rarely in the country’s history anyone has left the Presidency with grace, but he was leaving it with peace. The President said now “we can proudly say that Pakistan has won at the end, after a successful democratic transition.” “A whole lot of burden has been lifted off my shoulders, and now I can relax and read the newspapers,” the President said, who earlier shook hands with a long line of senior journalists, editors, columnists invited for the dinner. He said he has his full support to the journalists and said he will now be more available to meet them, with less of protocol. President Zardari said over the years the media has matured a lot and hoped they will continue to grow in the times ahead. He said the politicians too need to learn to face criticism, as they have a public life and the people also have a right to criticise their representatives. The President recalled his numerous visits to China and mentioned the agreements inked between the two countries in many areas and expressed the hope that the new government would honour these. He particularly mentioned the barter trade with China and stressed continuation of the policies for stronger bilateral ties. President Zardari referring to the results of the general election said despite having issues with it, and there was no reason to challenge these and added “we accepted the results for the sake of democracy.” The President concluded his short speech with the famous quote of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that democracy is the best revenge. “Time has proved and these words have come true,” the President said.