Bilawal warns against ‘political extremism’, urges dialogue to end divisions

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday described the country’s political situation as “political extremism” and urged political forces to find a solution to lead Pakistan out of its deepening divisions, which are undermining national security.

Addressing a gathering marking the 18th death anniversary of his mother and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at Gadhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal stressed that Pakistan’s crises can only be resolved through a political solution.

“Political divisions are damaging politics, democracy, economy and national security. No one is willing to tolerate this anymore. If we want to save Pakistan from the political crisis, if we want to rescue it from the economic crisis, if we want to face threats to national security, whether at the borders or from terrorism, political forces will have to find a political way,” he said.

Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s final message, Bilawal said reconciliation remained essential. “First of all, it is necessary to resolve the political crisis. His last message was one of compromise. His last book was also written about this. Today or tomorrow we will need reconciliation, and for it to succeed, political parties must leave extremism behind,” he said.

He criticized political intolerance and attacks on state institutions, referring to the events of May 9. “Political workers must act within the limits of politics. Attacks like those on May 9 and insults to institutions are outside political limits,” he said, adding that the PPP had always restricted its workers, even during periods of strong political pressure.

“We do not indulge in provocation because it harms the country, the public and our workers. We reject political extremism,” Bilawal said, recalling that despite widespread unrest following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, President Asif Ali Zardari upheld the Pakistan Khappay slogan, which he said helped save democracy and the country.

Warning that the current political trajectory was harming both the state and society, Bilawal urged political parties on both sides of the aisle to act responsibly. “The current political direction benefits neither the public nor the country. It is damaging our politics, national security and democracy,” he said.

Referring to the role of President Zardari, Bilawal said: “If there is confidence in one person to resolve the political divide, it is President Zardari. He is the king of reconciliation and can lead Pakistan out of difficulties.”

Reiterating its long-standing stance on provincial autonomy, he said the PPP believes in empowering provinces rather than restricting their authority. ‘Instead of taking away powers, provinces should be given more responsibilities. “They are willing to share the burden of taxes and contribute to economic improvement,” he added, highlighting that strengthening the provinces is key to addressing the federal economic crisis.”

Bilawal highlighted the party’s role in constitutional reforms and said the preservation of the 18th Amendment and the protection of provincial rights and the NFC Award were important achievements. He described the establishment of the Constitutional Court as part of fulfilling Benazir Bhutto’s unfinished mission.

“Referring to the May conflict with India earlier this year, he said the country’s armed forces, backed by the nation, had defeated India. ‘This victory belongs to all of Pakistan and has been recognized globally,’ he said, attributing it to national unity, the country’s nuclear capability and past defense initiatives.”

“This year’s biggest achievement is that our armed forces, backed by the nation, defeated India on the battlefield in May. India is yet to digest this defeat, and even Modi is hiding at the mention of our field marshal,” he said.

He added: “This victory belongs to all of Pakistan and has been recognized globally. The victory would not have been possible without the sacrifices of Gadhi Khuda Bakhsh, Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Benazir Bhutto’s missile program and the aircraft purchased from China under President Zardari, which shot down six Indian aircraft.”

Bilawal said people remained unconvinced by official claims of economic improvement, citing high living costs and declining purchasing power. He said the PPP had urged the government to ease restrictions under the IMF program to support farmers, adding that smallholder farmers in Sindh had received financial assistance following the prime minister’s announcement.

He also highlighted social welfare initiatives including Benazir Income Support Programme, flood rehabilitation efforts in Sindh, expanding access to healthcare through public-private partnerships and scholarship programs in Sindh and Balochistan.

“Together we must lead the country out of the economic crisis,” he said, calling for unity and responsible policies to address Pakistan’s challenges.