(Web Desk) – Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari said that politics requires resilience and patience, stressing that individuals unable to withstand challenges should consider pursuing other professions. He made the remarks while addressing a public gathering in Vehari, where he discussed governance, national development, and Pakistan’s political landscape.
Speaking to supporters, Zardari said the country’s overall situation had improved compared with previous years, although full recovery would take time. He described national development as a continuous process requiring collaboration between state institutions and the public despite ongoing challenges.
Referring to political dynamics, the president noted that public speeches alone were not enough and that real leadership involved facing practical difficulties. He recalled his own political journey, including years spent in prison, saying the experience shaped his understanding of political responsibility and perseverance.
Zardari emphasized that politics is a multidimensional responsibility requiring tolerance, flexibility, and political maturity. Effective governance, he said, depends on seriousness and long-term vision to address complex national challenges.
Highlighting economic priorities, the president underscored the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s agricultural sector, calling farmers the backbone of the economy. He argued that sustainable economic development depends on modernizing agriculture, improving farming techniques, and providing greater support to growers. Efficient water management, he added, remains essential to ensuring long-term productivity, stressing that Pakistan’s main issue is not a lack of resources but the need for consistent planning and implementation.
Discussing regional and provincial politics, Zardari said each province faced unique circumstances and that coordinated efforts among all regions were necessary for national progress. He also mentioned past initiatives, including increases in judicial salaries, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity.
On foreign policy, the president reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, describing it as a core national issue. He also referenced former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, highlighting his role in shaping Pakistan’s strategic direction.
Zardari concluded by calling for political cooperation to counter extremism and promote stability, saying unity among political forces was essential to building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan.
