The Charisma of President Asif Ali Zardari

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by Imdad Pitafi (MPA Sindh Assambly)

President Asif Ali Zardari creates history today by making room for President Mamnoon Hussain of Pakistan Muslim League (N). His name will be written in golden letters in the history of Pakistan. He is the first ever democratically elected president of the country to have successfully completed his five year tenure. Almost all his predecessors were either removed unceremoniously or were forced to leave the presidency under pressure and duress. Kudos to his statesmanship and acumen. This is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that a democratically elected government hosted a grand luncheon to bid farewell to a democratically elected president on successful completion of his five year constitutional tenure. Unlike his predecessors, President Asif Ali Zardari neither broke any democratic tradition nor tried to suspend or put in abeyance any article of the constitution of Pakistan. On the other hand he paved the way for democracy to flourish and march ahead. He showed utmost respect for judiciary as the custodian of democracy by sending home two of his chosen Prime Ministers. Mr. Zardari entered and vacated the presidency in a democratic manner. It was during his tenure that free and impartial general elections were peacefully held in which his party lost to the rival Muslim League (N). He respected peoples’ mandate and handed over power to the winning party in a purely democratic manner without any hitch or hesitation. He foiled all attempts of anti-democratic forces to derail democracy. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari possesses several qualities of a great statesman which are rare. He never loses his cool inspite of sudden and serious provocations. He excels in the art of reconciliation which is his unfailing tool and main weapon. He always demonstrated unusual fortitude and courage against all odds a number of times and successfully captained his team to the victory stand. His democratic government’s achievements are virtually uncountable which include revival of the 1973 constitution, historic constitutional amendments with a remarkable consensus, particularly the 18th amendment, empowerment of Gilgit-Baltistan, consensus approval of the 7th NFC Award, financial and administrative empowerment of the provinces, initiation of Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan Package, financial protection of 75 lac poor families through Benazir Income Support Programme and distribution of 12% share of 80 government institutions among 50 lac workers through BESOS. It is he only who increased Balochistan’s share from 5.1% to 9.1% in the 7th NFC Award. Allocation of 90% quota in all jobs at the Gwadar Port is his another contribution to the welfare of Baluch masses. His major economic reforms include payment of Rs.2 billions as the first installment of Rs.10 billions out of Rs. 120 billion outstanding provincial dues by the federal government, setting up a new record of US $ 17 billion foreign exchange reserves, transfer of 30% shareholding out of the federal government’s 50% shareholding in Saindak Project to Balochistan, leveling of 10,000 acres of land to be irrigated with Mirani Dam, construction of canals and such several other measures. Conclusion of Pak-Iran gas pipeline agreement and agreement with the People’s Republic of China on Gawadar Project also deserves due credit and appreciation. President Zardari took many concrete measures to help improve the economy and ameliorate the lot of common man. It was the Peoples’ government which reinstated thousands of public servants thrown out of jobs during the last 13 years. It was again the Peoples’ government which regularized thousands of employees working on temporary contract basis. Resumption of trade union activities and distribution of shares among as many as 5 lac industrial workers is another remarkable achievement of the Peoples’ government during President Zardari’s tenure. Provision of cheap tractors to the unaffording farmers through the Benazir Tractor Scheme is once again a commendable contribution of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari. His developmental projects also include the Faisalabad-Multan Motorway, besides construction of thousand miles of roads in different areas. A man of steel nerves, President Asif Ali Zardari would always be remembered as the introducer and promoter of the policy of appeasement, tolerance and reconciliation in the intolerance ridden political culture of Pakistan. He proved his mettle as a true benefactor of democracy besides being a loyal trustee of the legacy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed both of whom sacrified their precious lives at the altar of democracy.