He said that despite undue criticism and baseless propaganda against the party and its leadership, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would continue with its forward march towards strengthening the democratic institutions of the country and addressing the real problems of the people facing all odds. The President expressed these views during an interactive session with the PPP Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) over lunch in the Presidency here on Thursday.
Briefing the journalists Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar said that President Zardari said the party would not be detracted from pursuing its forward looking democratic agenda no matter what the odds or opposition to it.
The President said that some people tended to blame the present Government for the mistakes and ills of the past. However, the thoughtless reversal of some economic policies of the PPP like the IPPs (Independent Power Producers) has led to economic decline, he said.
Recounting various achievements of the present government, the President said that among other important steps taken by the Government, we have emphasized upon enhancing regional trade and entering into currency swap agreements as a vehicle to boost regional trade.
He said that 18th Amendment was a major political achievement of the present government where the provinces have control over their own natural resources. The President said that the Party from the very beginning pursued the path of reconciliation and not the confrontational course to overcome the challenges facing the country because we believe that the problems are too big to be resolved by any one party.
Discussing current political situation and coalition matters with the coalition partners, the President referred to the decisions by PML (Q) and MQM, to continue supporting the PPP Government and said that it will strengthen reconciliation and political stability in the country.
"We cannot afford political instability at this critical time when our more than eight million people were suffering from the havocs of natural calamity and millions were suffering due to jolted economy and other crisis like power shortage", Spokesperson Farhatullah Babar quoted the President as saying.
The President appreciated the Prime Minister for taking on board all political parties by holding APCs whenever confronted with a challenging situation.
