Sharjeel hails Zardari's democratic legacy on 71st birthday

KARACHI:

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday felicitated President Asif Ali Zardari on his 71st birthday, hailing him as a seasoned, visionary and principled statesman.

Sharjeel Inam Memon hosted a grand ceremony in Islamabad on the occasion of President Asif Ali Zardari's birthday. Faryal Talpur attended the event as the chief guest. A large number of PPP central and provincial leaders, federal and provincial ministers, members of parliament and party officials also participated.

On the occasion, the participants offered special prayers for his health, long life, national security, stability of democracy, and the country's progress and prosperity.

Sharjeel said that Zardari had consistently upheld democracy, the Constitution, federalism and public service as the cornerstone of his political career. He added that Zardari remained the only president to have voluntarily transferred his powers to parliament, thereby strengthening democratic norms.

He said the 18th Constitutional Amendment marked a historic step in granting greater autonomy to the provinces and reinforcing parliamentary democracy, while the Seventh National Finance Commission (NFC) Award ensured provinces received their due financial share.

Highlighting key initiatives, Sharjeel said the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package addressed longstanding political, economic and administrative grievances of the province. He added that renaming the former NWFP as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recognised the identity, culture and aspirations of its people.

The senior minister said granting administrative and constitutional empowerment to Gilgit-Baltistan was a landmark achievement that paved the way for self-governance, representation and improved governance in the region.

Referring to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), he said the initiative provided financial relief to millions of underprivileged families and laid the foundation of a robust social protection system.

The senior minister said Zardari's leadership reflected political foresight and a commitment to national interest, adding that his vision continues to guide the pro-people policies of the Pakistan Peoples Party.