KARACHI: “We will not allow democracy to be derailed,” former president and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari pledged Friday as he returned to the country after having stayed in UAE for nearly 18 months of self-imposed exile.
The former president landed in Karachi afternoon; where he went on to address the party workers, who had gathered for his welcome, at the old terminal of Jinnah International Airport.
He said the crowd reminded him of the day he was sent to Lahore by Bibi (Benazir Bhutto). “I feel Bibi is with us today, Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto is with usâ€.
Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistanis were depressed and there was a sense of hopelessness in the country. “I am not giving such a messageâ€.
Speaking on Kashmir, Asif Ali Zardari said there are issues on the borders, adding that Kashmir will definitely become part of Pakistan. “Our flag in Kashmir is a symbol of hope in front of such a huge Indian army.”
Zardari also emphasised the importance of democracy, stating it did not matter who was in power as there will come a day when the public’s voice will lead the country. The former president said that democracy would not be allowed to be derailed.
Commenting on the youth, the former president stressed the importance of social media.
On the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Zardari said this was geared towards our children stating now was the time for Pakistan and China to prosper. “Right now the CPEC concept has not been discussed with its architect. It is bigger than those who are discussing it”.
According to Zardari, despite conspiracies and issues being created, they remained strong. “Every time I go abroad, they make some new story. We will bring revolution in Parliament for democracy”.
In the end of his address, the former president said he would talk more on December 27.
Senior PPP leaders including Yousuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Khursheed Shah and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah were present at the old terminal and met the former president at the VIP lounge.
PPP Patron in Chief, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also arrived in Karachi and was travelling on a different flight from his father.
Earlier, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted pictures of his father at the airport and also of his departure from the Dubai residence.
