Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday stressed the need for reconciliation to steer Pakistan out of ongoing political and economic crises, saying President Asif Ali Zardari was the only leader capable of ending political polarisation in the country.
Bilawal Calls for Reconciliation, Says President Zardari Can End Political Polarisation
Addressing a public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 18th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal described President Zardari as the “king of reconciliation,” crediting him with safeguarding democracy and the federation during critical moments in the country’s history.
Bilawal said political polarisation was damaging democracy, the economy, and national security, adding that resolving political instability would automatically help address economic challenges. He urged political forces to adopt dialogue and engagement instead of confrontation and called on both the government and opposition to act in the national interest.
Recalling events following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, Bilawal said the country was on the brink of chaos when slogans of “Pakistan na khappay” echoed nationwide. He credited Asif Ali Zardari with stabilising the federation by raising the slogan of “Pakistan khappay” and steering the country away from disintegration.
Highlighting Benazir Bhutto’s legacy, Bilawal said she rejected the politics of revenge and extremism, even in the face of grave injustice. He noted that her final message and writings centred on reconciliation and political harmony.
The PPP chairman warned against the resurgence of political extremism and criticised attacks on state institutions, saying incidents like those on May 9, 2023, fell outside democratic norms. He emphasised that abusing institutions weakened the state and undermined democracy.
On regional security, Bilawal praised Pakistan’s armed forces for what he described as a decisive response to Indian aggression earlier this year, calling it a victory for the entire nation. He also lauded the Pakistan Air Force and said India was still struggling to accept the outcome of the confrontation.
Bilawal credited President Zardari with strengthening ties with China, laying the foundation for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and enhancing Pakistan’s defence and deterrence capabilities. He also defended the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a step aligned with the vision of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
Addressing economic governance, he reiterated PPP’s demand for greater provincial autonomy, arguing that empowered provinces could improve tax collection and service delivery. He also called for the devolution of power over electricity distribution companies to provincial governments.
Bilawal highlighted social welfare initiatives of the PPP-led Sindh government, including free healthcare facilities, housing projects for flood victims, and agricultural relief measures. He concluded by urging all political stakeholders to prioritise national unity, saying the federation could only survive through reconciliation, not revenge.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari warned that Pakistan would respond decisively to any future aggression, saying the country was fully prepared to defend itself. He said Pakistan had exercised restraint during the recent conflict but remained capable of responding forcefully if provoked again.
