Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a stark warning on Friday, labeling the nation's current political climate as a dangerous form of 'political extremism'. Speaking at a gathering in Gadhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the 18th death anniversary of his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, he urged all political forces to find a collective solution to steer the country out of its deepening divisions.
A Call for Reconciliation and Political Solutions
Bilawal Bhutto stressed that Pakistan's multifaceted crises could only be resolved through dialogue and political means. He argued that the intense political polarization is causing significant damage across multiple sectors. "Political divisions are harming politics, democracy, the economy, and national security," he stated emphatically. "No one is willing to tolerate this anymore."
He outlined a clear path forward, insisting that if Pakistan is to be saved from its political and economic turmoil and to confront external and internal security threats, political parties must unite on a common political path. Recalling his mother's final message, Bilawal emphasized that reconciliation was not just an option but a necessity. "Her last message was of compromise. Today or tomorrow, we will need reconciliation, and for it to succeed, political parties must leave extremism behind," he advised.
Criticism of May 9 and Praise for Zardari's Role
The PPP Chairman did not shy away from criticizing recent political violence, making a direct reference to the events of May 9. He asserted that political workers must always operate within constitutional and legal bounds. "Attacks like those on May 9 and insulting institutions are outside political limits," he said, highlighting that his party has always restrained its workers even under severe pressure.
Bilawal credited former President Asif Ali Zardari with playing a pivotal role in saving democracy during a previous crisis following Benazir Bhutto's assassination through his slogan of 'Pakistan Khappay'. He positioned President Zardari as the central figure capable of bridging the current divide. "If there is trust in one individual to resolve the political division, it is President Zardari. He is the king of reconciliation and can guide Pakistan out of difficulties," Bilawal declared.
On Provincial Autonomy, Economy, and National Security
Reiterating his party's long-standing stance, Bilawal championed the cause of provincial autonomy, arguing it is key to solving federal economic issues. "Instead of taking powers away, provinces should be given more responsibilities. They are ready to share the burden of taxation and contribute to economic improvement," he said. He highlighted the PPP's role in constitutional reforms, specifically the preservation of the 18th Amendment and the protection of the NFC Award, as major achievements.
On national security, Bilawal made a bold claim regarding a conflict with India earlier in the year. "The biggest achievement this year is that our armed forces, backed by the nation, defeated India on the battlefield in May," he stated, attributing this supposed victory to national unity, Pakistan's nuclear capability, and past defense initiatives under PPP governments.
Addressing public grievances, he acknowledged that citizens remain unconvinced by official claims of economic improvement due to high living costs. He called for unity to lift the country out of the economic crisis, while also listing his party's social welfare initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and healthcare projects in Sindh and Balochistan.
In his concluding remarks, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that the current political trajectory is damaging the state and society, offering a sobering assessment that "Today's political direction benefits neither the public nor the country." His speech served as both a critique of the existing political environment and a roadmap centered on dialogue, provincial empowerment, and responsible politics.
