Sindh invaded on pretext of peace: Zardari

Says he won’t allow violation of Constitution

ISLAMABAD: Former president and Co-chairman of the PPP Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday that the Centre had invaded Sindh on the excuse of maintaining peace and order.

On the eve of the eighth martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, he said: “On this day we also condemn the dictatorial mindset that recently invaded the Sindh province in the name of law and order in violation of all constitutional norms and principles.”

He said that constitutional laws were being trampled upon but stressed that he will not allow the Constitution to be violated. “Let us on this day reiterate that we will neither allow the trampling of the constitutional principles nor let the fanatics destroy the state and society behind the facade of religion.”

The PPP co-chairman said they also condemned the barbarians, militants and extremists seeking to take over the state and install what they call a caliphate. “Their agenda is no different from that of Daesh in Iraq and Syria, Al-Shabab in Kenya and Boko Haram in Nigeria,” he added.

The former president said the PPP wished to state categorically that it would not permit the militants to succeed in their designs. “With the help of the workers and people, the PPP will uphold constitutionalism on the one hand and reject militants and extremists on the other hand,” he added.

He said, “Today, we also remember our martyrs who have laid their lives fighting extremists and in upholding democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law. If militants have not succeeded in their designs, it is because of their sacrifices; we salute them all,” he said.

Asif Ali Zardari said the PPP also pays homage to those who suffered exile, imprisonment and execution in fighting dictatorship.