Shah upbeat about Zardari’s victory

PPP to seek votes from all parties for presidential poll

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has confidently said that Asif Ali Zardari would secure a resounding victory in the upcoming presidential election.

Shah made this prediction while speaking to the media after submitting the nomination papers of Zardari with Sindh High Court Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi for the presidential elections on Saturday. Shah was accompanied by prominent PPP leaders, including Faryal Talpur, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Sindh Assembly Speaker, and others.

"I have the honour to propose Asif Zardari's candidature for the highest constitutional position of the country," Shah told the media. Meanwhile, the PTI-backed independent lawmakers have announced Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party, as their candidate for the coveted office.

Responding to a question, Shah highlighted a "good working relationship" between the PPP and the MQM-P, expressing the intention to seek support for Zardari's presidential bid from various political forces in the parliament. He also acknowledged MQM-P's interest in strengthening local bodies in Punjab, highlighting the effectiveness of Sindh's local bodies system.

When asked about the speech of K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Shah said that Gandapur is aligned with his party's leadership.

Gandapur, while speaking on the floor of the house on Friday, demanded the resignation of the chief election commissioner for his failure to hold free and credible elections. He also called for a judicial inquiry into the May 9, 2023 attacks on the national security installations.

Regarding the formation of his cabinet, CM Shah stated that he would consult with his party leadership, ensuring a collaborative decision-making process.

Shah also endorsed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's reservations about the fairness of the general elections, who has stressed the party's commitment to legal recourse rather than public demonstrations. He extended respect to all MPAs, including those backed by the PTI, expressing his dedication to fostering unity among all representatives for the betterment of the province.

Earlier, Shah accompanied by over 30 MPAs, visited the SHC to officially propose Asif Zardari as the presidential candidate. PPP MPA Syed Nasir Shah seconded the nomination. The scrutiny of the nomination papers is scheduled for March 4, 2024, in Islamabad.

Later talking to the media after the closing ceremony of 772nd Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan the CM said they have prayed to the Almighty to enable the rulers to address the troubles like terrorism, economic instability and inflation which have been affecting the people for long. "I have prayed at the shrine that the Almighty may protect this country and give strength to its rulers to address all problems."

Shah visited the shrine for the second time in three days. He expressed hope that the election and subsequent oath taking of Pakistan's prime minister will be completed during the next two days following the election of the chief ministers of the four provinces.

"I pray to the Almighty that He may materialize the good intentions of the rulers for this country." The CM expressed hope that Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari will be elected as the President of Pakistan by the combined votes of PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Shah said Zardari wanted to establish a harmonious working relationship with all political parties, recalling that he was the only president in the country's history who delegated his powers to the parliament.

The CM told that the PPP's Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has laid out his priorities of party's provincial governments in Sindh and Balochistan. The foremost among them is the rehabilitation of the flood hit people in Sindh and Balochistan, he added.

According to him, the supply of clean drinking water to the people in all parts of Sindh has also been given top priority by the PPP. Improving the law and order situation particularly in the dacoits infested districts of Sindh will also remain a focus of his government.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2024.