Happy Birthday to the Defender of Democracy, Asif Ali Zardari

Express Tribune

2 days ago

As the president celebrates his 70th birthday, here's a reflection on his democratic legacy
President Asif Ali Zardari is celebrating his 70th birthday today. The best way to congratulate and pay tribute to him on this occasion is to understand his personality and politics as they truly are.
Asif Ali Zardari holds the distinction of being the first civilian president in Pakistan's history to be democratically elected to this esteemed position twice—and he continues to serve in this role today. This achievement has earned him international recognition for his political acumen, as such an occurrence is rare in a country like Pakistan.
Today, the world also acknowledges that President Asif Ali Zardari deserves credit for the continuity of Pakistan's democratic system since 2008, a span of 17 years. In this way, a new chapter in the history of Pakistan's democratic evolution has been written.
This achievement belongs to Asif Ali Zardari, who restored democracy in its true spirit by making the difficult process of power transfer through elections possible in a purely democratic manner. By resolutely countering all conspiracies from undemocratic forces and overcoming extremely adverse circumstances, he successfully completed his five-year democratic term. Through his policy of reconciliation, he created a golden chapter in the 66-year history of our beloved country.
By upholding the vision of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, realizing the dream of the Leader of the People, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and carrying forward the mission of the martyr of democracy, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he has transformed Pakistan into a truly democratic state—one that champions public rights and stands as a remarkable example.
His philosophy is rooted in the belief that the continuation of the democratic process will allow people-oriented forces to flourish and enable Pakistan's state structure to evolve within a democratic framework. He firmly believes that the institutions of the establishment are national institutions, and for democracy to be fully realized, these institutions must also be strengthened.
Asif Ali Zardari achieved what were once thought to be remarkable feats only after he ensured constitutional safeguards for democracy. The list of major achievements during his tenure is extensive, but a few stand out as especially significant.
During his first term, the 1973 Constitution was fully restored, accompanied by substantial parliamentary and constitutional reforms, most notably the 18th, 19th, and 20th Amendments. These modifications enhanced the autonomy of the provinces and also reinforced the federal structure. One of Zardari's most remarkable accomplishments was the repealing of the notorious Article 58(2)(b), which had allowed the dissolution of democratically elected governments.
These constitutional changes enriched democracy through an independent judiciary, the unshackling of the media, the formation of a self-governing Election Commission, and the provision for a non-partisan interim government to supervise elections.
In response to international pressure and to address the energy crisis, the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project was signed under his leadership. Additionally, a strategic agreement was made to hand over operations of Gwadar Port to the People's Republic of China.
Between 2008 and 2013, foreign exchange reserves grew significantly from 6 billion dollars to 16 billion dollars. During Zardari's presidency, formal work on CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) was initiated, which marked a new era of development for Pakistan.
Exports, which stood at $18 billion in 2008, rose to $29 billion by 2012. Similarly, the stock market index climbed from 5,220 points in 2008 to 18,185 points in 2013. The interest rate, which was 17 percent in 2008, was reduced to 9 percent by 2013.
Under the direction of Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP government raised the support price of wheat to benefit farmers. Consequently, Pakistan began exporting wheat for the first time and achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production. The increase in support prices also set a new record in the production of rice and cotton.
The introduction of the Benazir Tractor Scheme and electricity at a fixed cost for agricultural tubewells benefitted farmers through the provision of tractors. These schemes greatly enhanced the rural economy, which grew from 50 billion rupees in 2008 to 800 billion rupees by 2013.
This was Asif Ali Zardari's first term in office, during which the financial resources available to the people were significantly increased through the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. During his five-year tenure, the salaries of government employees rose by 158%.
Through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), financial assistance to 7.5 million households, benefiting approximately 50 million individuals, was doubled, with a total of Rs 70 billion distributed. In addition, self-reliance initiatives such as the Waseela-e-Haq and Waseela-e-Rozgar schemes were launched to support millions of low-income families.
Furthermore, 135,000 beneficiaries received assistance from Bait-ul-Mal, including care for homeless children through the establishment of Sweet Homes.
From 2008 to 2013, Zardari made strides to resolve the energy crisis by adding over 3,600 MW of electricity to the national grid. Expansion projects for the Mangla and Tarbela Dams were initiated, creating the potential to generate an additional 4,500 MW of electricity.
Furthermore, $3.5 billion in assistance was secured for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, and work began on the Neelum-Jhelum, Gomal, and Sat Dam projects. In addition to developing wind power generation at Thar Coal and Jhampir, several small and large-scale hydropower projects were launched.
Various initiatives implemented made it possible to store 8.5 million cubic feet of water through irrigation, which was aimed at improving water management and agricultural support.
President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP government placed special emphasis on creating employment opportunities for the country's unemployed youth. Between 2008 and 2013, 105,000 lady health workers were employed. Thousands of workers who had been laid off in previous administrations were reinstated, and millions of contract employees were regularized.
Alongside these changes, 500,000 industrial employees of 80 state-owned enterprises received 12 percent shares, granting them stakeholder status. Unprecedented healthcare, educational, and vocational resources were also granted.
During President Zardari's tenure, import tax rates were reduced, which encouraged foreign investment. Relative to other countries, inflationary pressures in the rest of the world and consumer prices in Pakistan remained relatively subdued, alongside a significant number of essential commodities that remained stable.
Furthermore, all other supplementary steps for public service and economic stability were for the betterment of the public.
To help alleviate the feeling of neglect in Balochistan, the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package was implemented during the presidency of Asif Ali Zardari, which expedited the development processes of the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was given back its historic and cultural name, whereas Gilgit-Baltistan was granted the status of a province, which culminated in constitutional and administrative reforms.
Mountains of legal and political reforms were also enacted regarding the tribal areas, notably FATA, granting these people their first-ever basic rights and elected representatives.
The most landmark interventions further defined a new chapter in national unification and the security and inclusion of the federation of Pakistan.
A further fact that is generally accepted today is that Asif Ali Zardari is visible as a workaholic, always full of work-related responses. Rather than seeking vengeance, he chose to tread the path of democracy and reconciliation, thus making phenomenal strides in advancing Pakistan and its people. He never allowed the distracting negativities of propaganda to deter him.
Today, even many of those who once harshly criticized him recognize him as a thoughtful and visionary politician. Asif Ali Zardari proved that true leadership lies in rising above temporary challenges and working patiently and wisely toward a greater goal, with perseverance, foresight, and a deep understanding of history. Such individuals are not only leaders of their time, but also of history.
In the tribal areas, especially FATA, the introduction of major legal and political reforms granted the people of these regions basic rights and political representation for the first time.
These reform initiatives represent a watershed event in strengthening national integration and ensuring national security and inclusivity in the Pakistani federation.
Asif Ali Zardari sustained and avoided any political exploitation. Instead of being vengeful, he opted for reconciliation and democracy, creating tremendous opportunities for Pakistan and its populace. He would not allow detrimental propaganda to take his focus off his rightful course.
Today, even those who harshly criticized him now recognize Zardari as a thoughtful politician and a leader with vision. Asif Ali Zardari proved that true leadership lies in rising above temporary challenges and working patiently and wisely toward a greater goal, with perseverance, foresight, and a deep understanding of history. Such individuals are not only leaders of their time but also of history.
The author is the Sindh Senior Minister for Information and Transport, Government of Sindh.