‘India Couldn’t Last Four Days,’ Zardari Tells PPP Gathering

News Desk 

Larkana/Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said Pakistan’s armed forces gave a crushing response to India during the conflict this year, demonstrating the country’s strength and resolve.

Addressing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers and supporters at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 18th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the President said India failed to sustain a confrontation with Pakistan even for four days.

“We appointed such an Army Chief who, looking straight into India’s eyes, defended the homeland,” President Zardari said, adding that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi realized that war is not a child’s game.

“Had we wanted, we could have destroyed all Indian aircraft during the war,” he remarked.

The President said the Pakistan Peoples Party raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappe’ and saved the country from chaos. “Pakistan will remain till the Day of Judgment. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the country, and our coming generations will also stand firm in its defence,” he said.

First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and senior party leaders were also present at the public gathering.

Meanwhile, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman paid rich tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, saying the entire party leadership had gathered at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to commemorate her 18th death anniversary.

Speaking to the media, Senator Rehman said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto practiced politics of reconciliation and always placed Pakistan above all else. Despite imprisonment, threats, exile, and immense hardships, she never deviated from democratic principles.

“She never taught us to attack any pillar of the state,” Senator Rehman said, adding that PPP has never engaged in propaganda against state institutions, either domestically or internationally.

She noted that the party’s commitment to public welfare was evident when disaster-affected families were granted ownership rights to their homes in 2022. Benazir Bhutto’s services to democracy and the people, she said, would always be remembered.

Senator Rehman emphasized that democratic forces must stand with oppressed and marginalized communities, stating that Benazir Bhutto taught resilience without turning against the state. She added that President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were continuing her vision.

Separately, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also paid tribute to Shaheed Benazir Bhutto by visiting her mausoleum at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, where he laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was a symbol of democracy, constitutional supremacy, and the struggle for people’s rights. He recalled her role as the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Muslim world, saying her life and sacrifices continue to inspire future generations.

The Governor said the martyrdom of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto gave new life to democracy in Pakistan and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party remains committed to carrying forward her mission to build a strong, democratic, and prosperous country.