Karachi, Pakistan – On the occasion of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s 57th Foundation Day, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged all political parties in the country to prioritize dialogue and consensus-building to foster political stability and national unity. He highlighted that the current divisive politics and political instability were having a detrimental impact on Pakistan’s progress.
In his address, delivered via video link to over 150 district headquarters and cities across the country, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a heartfelt tribute to the party’s founding Chairman, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, recognizing his monumental contributions to the nation. He stated that despite numerous challenges, the people of Pakistan continue to find inspiration and solutions to their problems in Bhutto’s enduring legacy.
Tribute to PPP Founders: Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto
Bilawal emphasized the key milestones achieved under Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s leadership, including the introduction of democracy, a people-friendly constitution, economic reforms, and Pakistan’s nuclear program. He lamented that Bhutto’s life was tragically cut short through judicial murder, but his vision remains the foundation of PPP’s ongoing struggle.
Acknowledging the sacrifices and resilience of PPP’s leadership, Bilawal praised the contributions of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, he said, faced immense challenges including the imposition of martial law and military dictatorship. He emphasized her unmatched courage in leading the party through turbulent times and her historic role in shaping the country’s policies, particularly in creating employment opportunities and introducing public-friendly economic reforms.
President Asif Ali Zardari’s Legacy
Bilawal also honored the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighting his strategic role in expanding PPP’s influence in Pakistan. He credited Zardari for key achievements such as the landmark 18th Amendment, which empowered Pakistan’s provinces, and the launch of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to alleviate poverty. Under his leadership, PPP not only consolidated its position in Sindh and Balochistan but also secured important political positions such as the Chairmanship of the Senate and Deputy Speakership of the National Assembly.
Call for National Dialogue and Political Stability
Turning to the present political climate, Bilawal stressed that no party had secured a clear majority in the recent general elections. Despite this, PPP extended its support to the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) to form a government, with the sole aim of addressing the country’s pressing economic crises and rampant inflation. However, Bilawal clarified that PPP chose not to join the cabinet, allowing the government full freedom to tackle these national issues.
Bilawal expressed concern over the role of opposition parties, calling on them to shift away from undemocratic tactics and adopt a more constructive approach to politics. He emphasized that political stability could only be achieved through dialogue, not through coercion or force. The PPP leader warned against any undemocratic measures, such as banning political parties or imposing Governor’s Rule, which he said would harm Pakistan’s democratic fabric.
Security Concerns and Economic Issues
In his address, Bilawal also drew attention to the growing threat of terrorism and called for a renewed National Action Plan to tackle this issue. He expressed grave concerns about the government’s handling of security in areas such as Parachinar, urging provincial authorities to take responsibility for law and order.
On the economic front, Bilawal criticized the government’s economic policies, particularly the imposition of agricultural taxes, which he said would severely affect the livelihoods of farmers. He also pointed out the damaging impact of current policies on Pakistan’s IT sector, stressing the urgent need to focus on developing the agriculture and technology sectors as vital drivers of economic growth.
Commitment to Democracy and Public Service
Bilawal concluded his speech by reiterating PPP’s unwavering commitment to democratic values and its long-standing tradition of serving the people. He vowed that the party would continue to work towards addressing the issues facing the nation, from economic instability to terrorism, while preserving the legacy of those who had laid the foundation for a prosperous and democratic Pakistan.
