Asif Ali Zardari Criticism of Imran Khan Intensifies Over Prison, Politics Remarks

Asif Ali Zardari criticism of Imran Khan continued on Tuesday as the president again targeted the jailed PTI founder, saying anyone entering politics must be prepared to face imprisonment with dignity.

Speaking at a public gathering in Vehari, President Asif Ali Zardari said that if a person was not ready to endure prison, they should not have joined politics. Without naming Imran Khan directly, he said some individuals would have been better off focusing on charity work or sports instead of politics.

Imran Khan has been held at Adiala Jail since September 2023. His party and opposition allies have recently raised concerns about his health, particularly his eye condition, and have sought his transfer to a hospital and release.

During his address, Zardari referred to his own time in prison. He said when he was released, his young son Bilawal Bhutto had grown taller than him. He also shared that he suffered a heart attack soon after his release, highlighting the hardships linked with imprisonment.

The president also criticised the previous PTI government. He claimed that Imran Khan did not run the country himself and alleged that former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed had played the main role in governing.

Zardari questioned Imran Khan’s ability to manage national affairs and said the PTI government had failed to deliver meaningful progress, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that leadership requires more than speeches and slogans.

He also responded indirectly to reports about Imran Khan’s family raising concerns over restricted meetings. Zardari said the country had moved forward after being free from political speeches that, in his view, had caused setbacks.

Commenting on political alliances, Zardari defended cooperation between the PPP and PML-N. He said the partnership was formed in the country’s interest and to prevent political instability.

Separately, the president chaired a meeting of PPP leaders at Bilawal House in Lahore. Party officials from Central Punjab attended and discussed organisational matters and political strategy.

Despite his criticism, Zardari stressed the importance of political dialogue. He said unity and democratic engagement remain essential for justice, stability, and national progress.