Election only when I decide, says Zardari

Former president tells party to remain patient; vows to address economy

LAHORE:

PPP Co-Chairman and former president Asif Zardari asserted his influence over the upcoming general elections, stating that they would only be held at his discretion.

Addressing aspiring candidates from Central Punjab, Zardari urged them to remain patient, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed in due time. He emphasized the value of patience, highlighting its potential for significant rewards.

Zardari confidently stated, "They cannot conduct the elections within two months; they will only take place when I decide." He further claimed that he possessed the ability to address the country's economic challenges effectively.

During the gathering, notable personalities such as Rana Farooq Saeed, Syed Hassan Murtaza, Shahzad Saeed Cheema, and others were present.

Read Zardari active in Punjab political sphere

Speaking to party workers, Zardari acknowledged their shared struggle, assuring them that patience would yield unimaginable rewards and alleviate their sorrows and pains. Reflecting on his time spent in prison, he revealed having extensively studied various books on the economy during his 14-year incarceration. Consequently, he claimed to possess the knowledge required to revive the national economy, referencing his previous solutions that had increased foreign exchange reserves to $24 billion.

Zardari expressed his determination to manage the country's economy and elevate foreign exchange reserves to $100 billion, with the grace of Allah.

Zardari defended the defence allocations in the budget, countering the propaganda surrounding military expenditures. He addressed the ongoing political scenario, stating that politics held solutions to every issue, while emphasising that those who failed to understand politics were the ones lacking solutions.