In his address to the National Assembly, Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, highlighted the importance of youth, political responsibility, and unity in governance. Referring to the students present in the gallery, he remarked that the future of the country was sitting in Parliament today. Chairman Bilawal reflected on the youth’s perception of politics, acknowledging that many may not aspire to become politicians due to the current political environment, which he described as cursed. However, he emphasized that it is through politics that employment, economic justice, and governance can be achieved, despite the multiple crises the country is facing.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the critical need for the supremacy of the Constitution, urging political representatives to maintain a productive working relationship. He pointed out that while it is the Opposition’s role to hold the government accountable, constant attacks and refusal to provide solutions would prevent the fulfillment of their duties. Instead of focusing solely on their imprisoned leaders, he said the Opposition must address key issues affecting the people, such as unemployment, inflation, education, health, and terrorism.
Chairman Bilawal criticized both government and opposition for their tactics of personal attacks, noting that vindictive actions and revenge politics do not address the core issues facing the people. He recalled that during Imran Khan’s tenure, the PPP’s opposition was not based on personal grudges but on the protection of democracy and the Constitution.
He also referenced the Charter of Democracy signed by his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and Nawaz Sharif, which brought about important changes in the political process, including giving the Opposition Leader a role in the appointment of the Election Commissioner and the interim government. This, he argued, showed the need for both sides to work together for the greater good of the country.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the reduction in inflation from the government’s target of 12% to 9.6%, urging the House to recognize this achievement while contributing further solutions. He underscored the importance of consensus in governance, recalling how the PPP-led government from 2008 to 2013 worked with the same opposition responsible for imprisoning his father, Asif Ali Zardari, for over a decade. However, he warned that certain forces are working to dismantle this political consensus to benefit anti-democratic agendas.
In light of this, Chairman Bilawal urged the Speaker to restore the functionality of Parliament, calling for the formation of a high-powered committee to ensure the House operates effectively. He lamented the resignation of Mr. Mengal, a senior Balochistani politician, and highlighted the damaging effects of boycotting assemblies, as seen during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari concluded by urging all members of the House to take responsibility for ending the cycle of political rallies and personal vendettas, refocusing efforts on addressing the issues that matter most to the people of Pakistan.
