It is said that adversities and tragedies can make people or break them. For those with a greater objective in life, the tragedies offer the necessary life lessons, which allows them to develop the necessary resilience to prevent history from being repeated. The president of the Popular Party of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, is one of those leaders who has become a lighthouse of hope and pragmatism in Pakistani politics, despite his tumultuous history.
After losing his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, at the early age of 19, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made a name when promoting political stability and avoiding conflicts with adversaries, while ensuring that national space was not granted.
In December 2021, President Bilawal galvanized the opposition parties against the Imran Khan government, initiated a motion without confidence, and successfully replaced the government through constitutional means in April 2022. He subsequently joined the government of the coalition as Minister of Foreign Affairs. As a young Foreign Minister, he worked tirelessly to calm the diplomatic and economic crises inherited from the previous administration. Under his leadership, Pakistan avoided the economic and diplomatic-benefiting mined fields that are evident three years later.
During his term, Pakistan took the worst part of climate change, and Bilawal became the country’s voice on the global stage, advocating climate justice and highlighting how Pakistani are victims of the carbon footprint of the developed world. This culminated in the International Conference on Pakistan Climate Resilient in Geneva, co-organized by the UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres. Mr. Guterres, recognizing our difficult situation, declared: “No country deserves to endure what happened to Pakistan.”
In this important event, Pakistan successfully obtained international financing, with Bilawal committing to transform the challenge of recovery and reconstruction in an opportunity to build a more resistant Pakistan. Through tangible actions, Bilawal has shown that he walks to the government in the province of Sindh is building 2.1 million homes for people affected by floods, of which 600,000 have already been built.
Since his parliamentary debut in 2018, his statesman approach promoted by clarity has not only defined his political personality, but also raided the way for unity, progress and democratic resistance. With the PPP leading the provinces of Sindh and Baluchistan and playing a conscientious role in Parliament, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has helped stabilize and strengthen the democratic system. The approval of the 26th amendment in October 2024 is a brilliant example of its visionary leadership, ensuring optimal gift and takes (within legal limits) to maintain continuity and longevity in democratic governance. I am personally witnessing your patience, perseverance and forecast to build a political consensus for the approval of the amendment.
Bilawal has constantly demonstrated that age is simply a number when it comes to political sagacity. His remarkable maturity and nuanced understanding of Pakistan’s complexes distinguish him. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance, which distinguishes it in a polarized political landscape already hostile.
During the recent war situation with India, Bilawal once again took a step forward to articulate Pakistan’s position internationally, exposing Indian propaganda. His diplomatic commitment helped improve the global image of Pakistan and stressed his vision of a more connected and cooperative Pakistan.
In the United Nations, Bilawal asked the international community to press India for a comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan. He warned that recent military climbs had increased the risk of conflict and emphasized the urgency of addressing the unresolved Kashmir problem, which is in the heart of Indo-Pak tensions. Despite the growing hostilities, Bilawal reiterated Pakistan’s preparation to cooperate with India in the fight against terrorism.
As Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his visit to India in May 2023 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO), he again emphasized the resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council. He also addressed the regional threats of extremism and terrorism, asking for collective action free of political prejudices.
It is often said that history is repeated. Just when Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto presented the case of Pakistan to the world, even when they did not hold an official position, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari now follows his steps. His statesman approach is precisely what Pakistan, and the widest region is necessary: spreading tensions and presenting a united, dignified and constructive image of Pakistan, racing the way for long -term economic and political stability.
The writer is mayor of Karach
