Islamabad, 9 August 2024: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, addressed the National Assembly on Friday, beginning his speech by congratulating Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem on his historic victory. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised Arshad for setting a new Olympic record and bringing home a gold medal, highlighting that this achievement showcases the immense potential of Pakistani youth when provided with the right opportunities.
In his address, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged the Assembly to reach a consensus on supporting the youth of Pakistan, emphasizing their capability to attain significant accomplishments. He pointed to the wealth of talent in areas like Lyari, where he believes many young people have the potential to excel in international sports, such as football. He also mentioned his recent meeting with young girls from Peshawar who are competing in Taekwondo and bringing medals back to Pakistan, expressing disappointment over the lack of support from both federal and provincial governments.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari proposed that in the next Olympics, each province of Pakistan should aim to secure a medal. He suggested that the Federal Minister for Sports establish an endowment fund in collaboration with provincial ministers to support this objective.
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized the ongoing infighting among politicians and the interference of military generals, which he argued has led to unprecedented polarization and a range of crises, including inflation and deteriorating law and order. He expressed concern over the inability to form a consensus on critical issues such as combating terrorism.
He also addressed the judiciary’s role in the current constitutional crisis, accusing it of overstepping its boundaries and exacerbating tensions. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted the long-standing struggle for justice faced by his own family, referencing the unjust trial of his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the ongoing fight for fair legal treatment.
In conclusion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for political discourse to reclaim the space for politicians, urging all institutions to operate within their constitutional limits. He emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution, law, and democratic principles to fulfill the purpose of Islamabad and the nation as a whole.
