Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has sharply criticized the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PMNL-N)-led federal government for taking “unilateral decisions without consulting its political allies”, warning that Such actions are causing unnecessary challenges for the administration.
Speaking at an event in the federal capital, Bilawal Bhutto underlined the importance of consensus-based policymaking, emphasizing that Pakistan’s political system thrives when the government listens to the people and collaborates with key stakeholders.
“Every time the government makes decisions without consulting its allies or without considering the wishes of the public, it ends up complicating the situation,” he commented.
The PPP leader also recalled the party’s long-standing support for workers’ rights and the struggle of Pakistan’s working class.
He noted that the efforts of three generations of PPP leaders have led to the establishment of important rights for the nation’s workers, beginning with the historic contributions of his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who helped secure the Constitution, and continuing with the leadership of his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, who stood firm against the military dictatorship.
Bilawal Bhutto also highlighted that the PPP’s legacy of fighting for democracy, workers’ rights and human rights was a continuous effort even during the rule of military dictators like General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf.
He praised the PPP for consistently promoting the working class agenda, adding that the party was the first to introduce a comprehensive labor policy in Pakistan and has continued to advocate for fair wages and pensions.
In his speech, the PPP president also delved into the broader issue of political legitimacy, saying that no government can function without the support and consent of the people.
“Whether you are Prime Minister, President or even a monarch, any system depends on the will of its people,” he said.
“If a government moves away from the wishes of the people, it destabilizes the entire system.”
Blawal warned that Pakistan’s current political environment was being marred by lack of dialogue and top-down decision-making.
“When decisions are made unilaterally, they are more difficult to implement and the results are often less successful,” he said.
“On the other hand, when decisions are made through consensus and consultation with all stakeholders, including opposition and coalition partners, they are easier to implement and have a better chance of success.”
The PPP leader called for a return to the principle of consensus politics, citing the example of his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who, despite having a majority in Parliament, chose to create a democratic system based on national consensus.
“He had the mandate to implement his own policy, but he chose to build consensus and secure an agreement that would guarantee the stability of the system,” Bilawal said.
He expressed concern that the current government, while not having the same level of majority, sometimes acts as if it has a two-thirds majority, dictating policies without consultation.
He urged the ruling party to prioritize consultations with elected representatives as well as opposition parties to achieve a more effective and stable political environment.
Bilawal Bhutto concluded his remarks by reiterating the PPP’s commitment to a policy of unity and thematic debates rather than division and hatred.
He lamented that Pakistan’s current political climate focuses more on personalities and less on addressing the real challenges facing the nation.
“We are committed to a politics of issues, not hate and division,” he said. “Currently, political discourse is sadly diverting from key issues affecting the people of Pakistan.”
