Opposition running 'vilification campaign' against me, PPP : Zardari

Islamabad, Nov.17 (ANI): Coming down hard on opponents for representing the Presidency in bad light, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has said the opposition parties were carrying out a 'vilification campaign' against him.

Zardari said the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) would not be deterred by any such propaganda and continue to march forward to achieve its objectives.

During a meeting of the party's central executive committee, Zardari's spokesperson Farhatullah Babar said the PPP would continue to work for the people of the country.

"No matter what our opponents said and no matter how much the party leadership was subjected to a campaign of vilification, the party will not be deterred and will continue its forward march in the service of the people," Babar quoted Zardari, as saying.

"Some people write our obituaries almost daily but the more they write our obituaries the more they are disappointed and frustrated. I salute the party, its workers and the people. We have stood together in the past and will stand together in the future as well," Zardari added.

The meeting, which continued late in the night, discussed various issues, including the current political scenario, the controversial National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO).

It may be noted that the PPP had first decided to table the NRO in parliament, but was forced to revert its decision after coalition partners Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Awami National Party and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F decided to oppose the ordinance.

Babar said Zardari believed that the people of the country voted the PPP to power.

"The PPP was not given political victories by anyone as charity, but had triumphed politically with the help of the people of all provinces," The Dawn quoted Zardari, as saying.

He said the 'vilification campaign' targeted against the PPP was aimed at weakening it politically, and added: "Those hoping to weaken the party were living in a fool's paradise." (ANI)