Democracy endangered, courts 'selective': Zardari

While addressing to PPP workers gathering on 4th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bux, President Zardari said that he had spent many years behind the bars but his love for democracy remained firm and steadfast.President Asif Ali Zardari said that he would protect democracy and not allow federations split. He said that he has a lot of things in heart and will utter everything today.Speaking about the judiciary, the president said: “I ask Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, some cases are visible to you while some others are not. The things which are against our prestige are important in your view.”The president said that he is ready to face the court in due time. “Whoever wants to break federation would not be tolerated. I invite the Balochs to come forward, register their complaints and have their agonies redressed. We are ready to resolve all issue but not at the cost of the federation.”He said that historical decisions are not made within one or two years. “It takes time.”While commenting on South Punjab, he said that we dont want to overthrow the rulers of Takht-e-Lahore who seek their rights from Lahore. We are followers of Parliament and do everything within the limits of democracy. He also praised Nawaz Sharif for visiting Garhi Khuda Bux.He said the democracy is new in the country, and needs time to mature and get to the point where it should be. He said those who say that democracy is in place must know that the spirit of democracy will take time to hold. The democracy with all its qualities will take time and sacrifices, which we are willing to pay. President Zardari said his party will always uphold the constitution, and will do everything within the law. Parliament is the supreme institution, he added.President Zardari said I am son of the land and conscious of nation’s sufferings. “We would like to make history, not headlines. I am not alone; millions of people are with me.”He said that conspiracies are being hatched against democracy, but “we would defend everything for the rule of law”.President Zardari said that he is fully fit and “only had a minor ailment as people sometimes have muscle cramps”.He warned that some people are weakening democracy, but they must know that the future of the country is dependent on democracy. Criticising PTI chief Imran Khan, President Zardari said that Imran talks of tsunami, but the real tsunami is of PPP activists.He said that he had tried to save the PIA two times by revolutionary policies. “I asked Shaukat Tareen to purchase new planes. I ask unions to be active because I am to save democracy,” he said.Zardari said that there is no concept of hierarchy in the PPP. “Everybody works with me, but not for me.”“It is not time to have a clash, we would not adopt unconstitutional way, rather we would adopt undemocratic policies,” he added.The president said very often, people used to ask me how I passed my years in jails, I replied: “By dint of my faith”.He said that Nawabshah is not district of anybody, it is of Shaheed Bibi. “We are aware of the suffering of Balochs, Pakhtuns and Punjabis. I said that we are ready to face every challenge with the help of new blocks -- from China to Central Asia.”The president said: “We should be given the right to take decisions in accordance with our free will,” he said.He said: “We have nothing to do with any war. Neither are we enemies of anybody nor have an alliance with any country. Everything that is dear to us is love of our country and my people.”“The world is facing economic crunch and would not listen to our agonies,” he added.President Zardari also took a swipe at TV talk shows. He also said that Asifa will carry forward the legacy of Benazir Bhutto.Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan said that this place is graveyard of martyrs.Giving reference to Imam Hussain, he said that many people forbade Imam to go to Kufa and made him afraid that you would be killed. He said that paths are not changed with dangers of life and system. The people who changed the way, I have no complaint with them.He said that if somebody says that exit of any great leader have no effect, that is wrong. He said party workers have come here from across the country to attend BB’s death anniversary. “This is the way of ZA Bhutto and Shaheed BB.”Giving reference to Shaheed BB, he said that when I came to visit BB in jail she was sitting is scorching heat of sun with Bilawal and Asifa on a heap of stones. She was an embodiment of patience and steadfastness.While paying tribute to Banazir Bhutto, he said that she remained unwavering in the face of death.She was an embodiment of Hussainiyat. “All the world is witness to her innocence.”While throwing light on current issues faced by the nation, he said: “We know it better that people are unable to pay utility bill, house rents. We know prices are high and there are multiple other problems. Despite this, we are to follow BB’s way. We have to stay patient and steadfast.”