Vehari, February 17, 2026 – President Asif Ali Zardari addressed a public meeting in Vehari, sharing his experiences of jail life and commenting on the political situation in Pakistan.
“It is jail, you have to face hardships,” Zardari said, reflecting on the challenges faced by political figures. He suggested that avoiding jail would require leading a life like Mother Teresa or holding a significant position in sports, apparently referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Zardari recalled his own time in jail, saying he served 14 years. He added, “When I was released, Bilawal was taller than me,” highlighting the personal passage of time during incarceration.
Commenting on PTI’s tenure, the president criticized former officials, stating, “During PTI’s rule, Faiz Hameed was running the government. What did he know about governance or providing relief to the people?”
President Zardari also spoke about his party’s approach to political alliances, mentioning ongoing efforts to work with Shehbaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz. “Mian Sahib is making efforts, and conditions are now better than before,” he said.
He further addressed law and order issues, highlighting concerns about violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the current provincial administration.
Political analysts say Zardari’s remarks emphasize the challenges of jail life and the impact of long-term incarceration on political leaders. Observers also note the president’s critique of PTI officials underlines ongoing tensions between ruling and opposition parties.
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The public meeting attracted supporters and media coverage, sparking discussions on jail experiences, governance, and political accountability. Zardari’s reflections serve as both personal insight and political commentary ahead of upcoming electoral developments.
