Zardari to 'strengthen establishment's hands'

President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called for collective efforts to "strengthen the hands of the establishment", saying political stability, economic self-reliance and institutional strength were essential to steering the country forward.

Addressing a public gathering in Moro city of Sindh's Naushahro Feroze district during a visit to the residence of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, the president said Pakistan needed to strengthen both the state and its institutions while focusing on long-term economic progress and public welfare.

"We will together strengthen the hands of the establishment, strengthen our own hands, and strengthen the country," President Zardari said while addressing party workers and local residents.

He added that "running the country is the real challenge".

The president stressed the need to provide people with economic empowerment and said the agriculture sector must adopt modern technology in line with contemporary requirements.

He said Pakistan needed to ensure food self-sufficiency and strengthen its economy in order to become more stable and resilient.

He said efforts were under way to improve agriculture, increase per-acre yield, raise incomes and improve living standards.

Zardari said the government was aware of the public's economic hardships and was working to address them through policies aimed at generating long-term benefits for future generations.

He said projects linked to Gwadar were expected to bring positive economic change not only to Balochistan but also to the country as a whole.

He said Pakistan had taught India "a lesson it would not forget" during the week-long conflict.

"When India's aircraft were shot down, they came to their senses," Zardari said, adding that Pakistan had downed "those eight aircraft that had dropped bombs on innocent Pakistanis".

Speaking about his party's political direction, the president said the Pakistan Peoples Party would continue to work within the framework of the 1973 Constitution while taking steps aimed at empowering citizens.