Sharjeel marks Zardari’s 71st birthday with praise for democratic reforms

ISLAMABAD: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday hosted a birthday ceremony for President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad, using the occasion to credit him with major democratic and constitutional reforms during his political career.

Faryal Talpur attended the event as chief guest, while PPP central and provincial leaders, federal and provincial ministers, members of parliament and party officials were also present. Participants offered special prayers for Zardari’s health and long life, as well as for national security, democratic stability and the country’s progress.

Sharjeel described Zardari as a seasoned, visionary and principled statesman, and said he had consistently defended democracy, the Constitution, federalism and public service. He said Zardari remained the only president to have voluntarily transferred his powers to parliament, calling the move an important step in strengthening democratic norms.

He also linked Zardari’s tenure to the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the Seventh National Finance Commission Award, saying the amendment increased provincial autonomy and reinforced parliamentary democracy, while the NFC Award ensured provinces received their due financial share.

Listing other measures, Sharjeel said the Aghaz-e-Huqooq-e-Balochistan package sought to address political, economic and administrative grievances in Balochistan. He added that the renaming of the former NWFP as Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa recognised the identity, culture and aspirations of its people.

Sharjeel further said administrative and constitutional empowerment for Gilgit-Baltistan was a landmark achievement that opened the way for self-governance, representation and improved governance in the region. Referring to the Benazir Income Support Programme, he said the initiative brought financial relief to millions of underprivileged families and laid the basis for a broader social protection system.

He said Zardari’s leadership reflected political foresight and a commitment to national interest, adding that his vision continued to shape the Pakistan Peoples Party’s pro-people policies.