Won’t let religious extremists usurp power: Zardari

MIRPURKHAS: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would fight the religious extremists and not permit them to usurp political power in the name of religion, former president Asif Ali Zardari said in a message on the eve of the 90th birth anniversary of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto falling on Friday.

"I call upon the democracy-loving people to rededicate themselves to this ideal and not permit religious extremists to usurp the power in the name of religion," he said. Standing tall as a beacon of light and inspiration Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto awakened the people and gave them hope. He illumined the path for the coming generations. “No one can rob him of his great achievements," he said.

Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto restored the nation’s confidence, lifted the spirits of the people and gave them the gifts of a unanimous democratic Constitution and a strengthened national defence.

The party will protect this legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at all costs, he said. “On this day we rededicate ourselves to the political ideal of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto,” Zardari said. “Today we also pay homage to all those who laid down their lives and endured exile, torture and imprisonment in the cause of democracy and fighting against tyranny,” he said.

Reacting to the press conference of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said that he wanted the Sharif to reveal all the secrets. He also demanded Nawaz Sharif to disclose as to how he got the mandate. “I want you to reveal all the secrets, but first tell us how you became the prime minister,” Zardari asked while addressing the party workers in Mirpurkhas on Thursday.

He said, “One must look into his own collar before hurling accusations at anyone. We never courted anyone's support in order to walk in the corridors of power.” Asif Ali Zardari’s remarks came a day after Nawaz Sharif warned of presenting "all the evidence before the nation if behind the scene activities are not stopped," without elaborating on his threat. "Once again path is being cleared for a Ladla (favorite)," he said in an obvious reference to Imran Khan. He said that the obsolete ideas of diverting the public opinion were once again being applied. Sharif stressed all the stakeholders to let democracy flourish smoothly and asked not to curtail a political outfit through court verdicts.