Raja Pervez Ashraf Praises Asif Ali Zardari’s Leadership and Legacy at 70th Birthday Seminar

LAHORE (Asif Iqbal): Former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab, Raja Pervez Ashraf, has said that President Asif Ali Zardari has played a pivotal role not only in strengthening the Pakistan Peoples Party but also in preserving the unity of the nation. He was addressing a prestigious seminar organized by PPP Central Punjab to mark the 70th birthday of President Asif Ali Zardari at a local hotel. The event was hosted by senior party leader Faisal Mir, with Syed Sibtul Hassan serving as the master of ceremonies.

Raja Pervez Ashraf, who presided over the seminar, was joined by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan as the chief guest and PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza. The seminar was attended by a large number of party leaders, workers, women, and youth. Among the prominent participants were Bashir Riaz, Usman Malik, Chaudhry Aslam Gill, Nasira Shaukat, Aqila Yousuf, Naveed Chaudhry, Belum Hasnain, Faiza Malik, Sania Kamran, Nargis Khan, Aziz-ur-Rehman Chan, Tanveer Ashraf Kaira, Dr. Khayam Hafeez, Allama Yousuf Awan, Dr. Zarar Yousuf, Huma Mir, Pir Haider Shah, Kamran Dar, Moosa Khokhar, Naseem Sahotra, Edwin Sahotra, and Khawar Naheed Mohal.

In his address, Raja Pervez Ashraf stated that had it not been for Zardari’s leadership, the party might not have sustained its current standing. He highlighted Zardari’s contributions to parliamentary supremacy, the 18th Amendment, CPEC, and provincial autonomy as milestones in Pakistan’s political evolution. He emphasized that Zardari voluntarily transferred all presidential powers back to the Parliament, restored the identity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, and initiated reforms that pushed the country toward food self-sufficiency.

Raja Pervez Ashraf described Zardari as a visionary who endured imprisonment under dictatorship yet kept the flame of democracy alive. “His wisdom, patience, and sacrifices have kept Pakistan on a constitutional and democratic path. The slogan ‘Pakistan Khappay’ is a manifestation of national unity and unmatched political foresight,” he said.

He further noted that Zardari remains the only leader in Pakistan’s history to have served two terms as a democratically elected President while respecting constitutional boundaries and promoting reconciliation over confrontation. His leadership not only ensured democratic continuity but also gave voice to the underprivileged segments of society.

Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan lauded Faisal Mir for organizing the event and praised the PPP’s uninterrupted leadership legacy, spanning from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to Benazir Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Calling Zardari a man of exceptional grace, the governor said that he faced prisons with dignity and never compromised on his principles. He credited Zardari with negotiating the Iran gas pipeline, making 14 diplomatic visits to China, strengthening Pakistan’s stance against India, and engineering General Musharraf’s constitutional ouster.

The Governor emphasized Zardari’s commitment to democracy, national integrity, and inclusive politics, citing his gesture of inquiring about political rival Saifur Rehman’s well-being in jail as a sign of his magnanimity. He prayed for Zardari’s health and long life and expressed hope for Bilawal Bhutto to become the country’s future Prime Minister.

PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza called Zardari’s life a journey of continuous struggle and said the contrast between him and other ceremonial presidents like Mamnoon Hussain was stark: “Zardari produces leaders; others are installed.”

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Faisal Mir, the host of the event, emphasized Zardari’s role in fostering dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran, signing major agreements with China in 2008, and strengthening Pakistan in strategic competition with India. He lauded Zardari’s resilience during his 11-year imprisonment and said his high moral standing is recognized even by his critics. Mir also shared that Zardari regards Maryam Nawaz as a daughter and therefore refrained from making political comments about her.

He concluded by announcing that Zardari’s birthday will be celebrated with the same enthusiasm every year.

The seminar also featured speeches by Barrister Aamir Hassan and Dr. Ayesha Shaukat. The event concluded with the cutting of a 70-pound cake, a vibrant balloon release in party colors, and a dazzling light show. The hall echoed with slogans of “Zinda Hai Zardari,” while PPP’s student wing energized the audience with a performance of the song “O Zardari.”