SADIQABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said that those who make fiery speeches cannot endure the hardships of imprisonment or make real sacrifices for political struggle.
Addressing party workers in Sadiqabad, Punjab, the president stated that a true leader must be prepared to fight, face imprisonment, protect the party, and safeguard the people. “Today, some leaders begin complaining even before completing a year and a half in jail,” he remarked.
Without naming anyone directly, Zardari criticized what he described as repeated public complaints. “At times they say their eye hurts, at times they complain about facilities. These outbursts are merely for display. They cannot make sacrifices and lack the courage — they can only talk,” he said.
Reiterating his own political journey, the president noted that he had spent 14 years in prison but never lost courage. Referring to a previous television interview, he said, “I had once said that jail begins to ask about you after two years. I endured hardships but did not give up.”
Zardari also remarked that imprisonment offers an opportunity for reflection and worship. “One should engage in prayer while in jail. The prayers of those who worship in prison are accepted,” he said, adding that no political worker had been arrested by him, jokingly suggesting he would not want to face anyone’s curse.
Concluding his speech, the president pledged to continue working for the country’s progress. He expressed confidence that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would one day secure a two-thirds majority and form the government, adding that nations are built by their people.
