Bilawal Calls for Political Reconciliation to Pull Pakistan Out of Crises

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that all political forces must come together to steer Pakistan out of its political and economic crises, stressing that political instability and economic hardship go hand in hand.

Addressing a public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 18th death anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal said that reconciliation was Benazir Bhutto’s final message to the nation. He noted that her last book also focused on reconciliation, adding that whether today, tomorrow, or the day after, Pakistan will eventually need dialogue and compromise to overcome political turmoil.

Bilawal emphasized that for reconciliation to succeed, political parties and leadership must abandon political extremism and bring politics back within its democratic limits. He said that attacks like those on May 9 and abuse of state institutions do not fall within the boundaries of politics.

He recalled that despite severe injustices, including the execution of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and hardships faced by Benazir Bhutto, the PPP always chose to struggle within the political system rather than resorting to violence. He said such extremist politics only harms Pakistan, its people, and even the workers of the parties involved.

Bilawal said that after Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom, the country was engulfed in unrest, but President Asif Ali Zardari raised the slogan of “Pakistan Khappay,” which helped save the federation, protect democracy, and ultimately defeat dictatorship.

Criticizing the current political environment, Bilawal said ongoing divisions are damaging democracy, the economy, and national security. He urged opposition parties to act responsibly and called on ruling parties to prioritize national interest over political gains.

He added that if there is trust in any one individual to heal political divisions, it is Asif Ali Zardari, whom he described as a master of reconciliation capable of guiding Pakistan out of its current challenges.

Bilawal also highlighted welfare initiatives, saying that hospitals in Sindh provide free treatment to people from other provinces and thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for adopting PPP proposals regarding flood victims and declaring an agricultural emergency to support farmers.

Concluding his address, Bilawal said the massive public gathering itself was a strong response to terrorists and enemies. He stated that Pakistan’s victory against India was a victory for the entire nation, adding that India fears Pakistan’s military strength and leadership.