Being a man of vision, he has tackled all the challenges coming his way and fought his political rivals with such a sagacity, deep insight, broad vision and unwavering resolve so far that even his opponents are compelled to admit that he has proved himself to be the true successor of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and one of the best politicians of Pakistan. The most effective weapon through which he has conquered his political opponents during the last four years is his politics of reconciliation.
Of course, I am talking about the President of Pakistan and the Co-Chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party – Asif Ali Zardari. Today (September 6, 2012) Asif Ali Zardari lected and successfully completed his four years as the Head of the State. As he is going to complete his five-year constitutional term the next year as the president, it is time to evaluate his performance as the president of Pakistan, as well as the party co-chairperson.
In these Four Years as Head of the State and Four and Half Years of PPP Government, there are no scandals and corruption allegations against the President Zardari. To make it simple, we will look at his achievements, one by one on different fronts, including constitutional, parliamentary, war against terrorism, political, economic, foreign and domestic, etc.
I remember when in 2007 I travelled with him from New York to Washington; he talked about the future of Pakistan. AsifZardari was of the view that Pakistan can only progress as vibrant State if we start forgiving each other and resort to the politics of reconciliation.
As General Pervez Musharraf had ruled the country before the PPP formed a coalition government after the 2008 general elections, the Constitution of Pakistan existed in a subverted form. Having assumed presidency, President Zardari willingly abdicated his authority and powers to the parliament and the prime minister of Pakistan. Every succeeding leader in Pakistan has been in pursuit of more and more authority and powers. But President Zardari should be credited for relinquishing his powers and restoring the Constitution to its original form.
The 18th Amendment was made to give long-sought autonomy to the provinces and the 19th Amendment was carried out to accommodate the observations of the judiciary on the mode of appointment of judges, prescribed in the 18th Amendment and the 20th Amendment to ensure independence of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the mode of appointment of a caretaker setup to oversee elections. Judiciary, one of the most important pillars of the state, was not only restored but also given complete independence through the constitutional amendments, brought about with the full support of the president of Pakistan.
After delegation of its true powers by President Zardari, the parliament played a very active role in strengthening democracy and establishing constitutional and democratic norms in the country. Very effective and meaningful amendments were introduced to the Constitution after thorough discussions in the both houses of the parliament. Various ministries and departments were devolved to the provinces on the recommendations of the parliamentary committees. The Centre and the federating units had serious differences over the distribution of resources out of the federal divisible pool. The issue was resolved in the parliament through unanimous adoption of the 7th NFC Award, giving the provinces increased share in the federal divisible pool. President Zardari not only successfully completed his four years in the presidency but also steered the lurching boat of democracy out of troubled waters. The consistent pro-democracy role of the president has proved to the people of Pakistan that he is the real friend of democracy and all those waging a campaign against him are enemies of democracy in Pakistan. It is really heartening to see an elected government completing its constitutional term, only because of political wisdom of Asif Zardari.
The writer is a PPP leader and former central secretary
information ARD
No doubt, the credit goes to AAZ for the political achievements. Organising the insititutions is another target. I wish the opposition adopts positive attitude and strenghten him for more reforms. Once the democracy starts blooming, prosperity will come disguised.
What a silly article!
I initially thought the writer has been paid to write. This may still be true and if not the writer must have been rewarded in other ways.
http://www.pakistantoday.mbt.pk/2012/09/06/city/l…
the writer may hv given many undue attributes to zardari. but on one point he is definitely correct: Zardari has given a stable civil govt for 5 year for the first time in history of Pakistan, and that s no small thing, and will benefit country in future. Come next election any future civil govt will also feel stable because of completion of this 5 yrs tenure by this govt.
well why it is so difficult for some people to accept the fact that Mr. Zardari has proven himself as the head of state. author is right nation must salute Zardari's political sagacity.
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