President Asif Ali Zardari has once again taken a strong swipe at PTI founder Imran Khan, marking his third critical statement in just four days. While addressing a public gathering in Vehari, Zardari suggested that anyone who is not ready to face imprisonment should avoid politics altogether, saying that serving jail time demands “honour.” Without directly naming Imran Khan, he remarked that if he could not tolerate hardships, he should have focused on charity work or opened cricket clubs instead of stepping into political life.

Zardari’s comments came at a time when PTI and other opposition groups have been pushing for Imran Khan’s transfer from Adiala Jail to a hospital due to his worsening eyesight. Imran has remained in custody since September 2023. Zardari, recalling his own imprisonment, shared an emotional note that when he finally returned home, his son Bilawal had grown taller than him, and soon after his release, he suffered a heart attack.

During the interaction, Zardari also claimed that Imran Khan was never truly running the government. Instead, he alleged that the former DG ISI, Faiz Hameed, was the one controlling national affair. He mocked Imran’s leadership, saying he lacked the capability to manage the country.

Adding more criticism, Zardari said, “Kabhi kehta hai doodh nahi milta, kabhi kehta hai pani nahi milta,” and accused him of damaging Pakistan’s global relations, stating that Imran had “spoiled ties with the whole world.”

On the political front, Zardari defended the PPP-PML-N alliance, saying it was formed in the national interest to prevent extremist thinking from taking over. He also criticized PTI’s performance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, accusing them of delivering speeches rather than real development.

Ending on a national note, Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, calling it the country’s “jugular vein,” and stressed that political dialogue and unity remain vital for stability and progress.

What do you think about Zardari’s remarks on Imran khan?

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)