Appearing from Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad & Quetta

Friday, January 15, 2010, Muharram 28, 1431

Water crisis biggest challenge: Zardari
Curb on media not to be tolerated

Salim Ahmed

Lahore—President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday termed the water crisis in the country the biggest challenge, saying that the war for Kashmir’ liberation is also aimed at safeguarding water interests of Pakistan.

Addressing a large cheering gathering of party leaders prominent people and workers of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) here at Governor House, the President admitted that the problems and issues of party workers are not being resolved.

“I know that your problems are not being addressed. I know the sufferings of the poor. I know how you are living amid electricity and gas load shedding. I know all your woes,” Zardari said in his address that he delivered in Punjabi.

“I will hold a darbar in Lahore once in a month to hear and address the issues of PPP workers,” he told the gathering that cheered his announcement with uproar and slogans of ‘Jeay Bhutto’.

Zardari said that the government is striving hard to resolve the national issues and the problems being faced by the country, adding that such issues “cannot be resolved in a few months”.

Moreover, addressing a gathering of dignitaries, leaders and workers of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at Governor’s House, Zardari described water crisis in the country the biggest challenge. He said water is the main reason behind Kashmir dispute that is why dams are being built across the country and loans worth $700 million have been taken for their construction.

He said the war for Kashmir’ liberation is not just aimed at acquiring land but go far beyond this. He said that the Kashmir war is not just for land, but “it’s a war for water as well”.

About the problems of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) workers, he admitted that the problems and issues of party workers are not being resolved. “I know that your problems are not being addressed. I know the sufferings of the poor. I know how you are living amid electricity and gas loadshedding. I know all your woes,” Zardari said in his emotional address.

He said, “I will hold a ‘darbar’ for a week in Lahore once in a month to hear and address the issues of PPP workers.”

Zardari said that the government is striving hard to resolve the national issues and the problems confronted to the country, adding that such issues “can not be resolved in few months”.

He said that our survival is linked with the survival of democracy, which depends on smooth functioning of state intuitions. He further said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto laid down their lives for the sake of democracy. We will continue their mission. “We have empowered women in accordance with the vision of Benazir Bhutto. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is working for the poor class. We will continue the politics of reconciliation.”

He said Pakistan is dealing with a number of challenges and sincere efforts should be made to solve country’s issues. Moreover, talking to different delegations, President Asif Ali Zardari said Nawaz Sharif’s trust on Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani is a success of our prime minister. He said he wants that system will continue for five years and any part that win the polls will rule the country. He said PPP will win next elections too.

President Zardari said propaganda against rental power project is the reason behind the delay in overcoming loadshedding because investors avoid facing criticism.

About Karachi, he said not only political elements but there are different other stakeholders in Karachi. He said local bodies elections will be held under the supervision of Election Commission of Pakistan.

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