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

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

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

“Political divisions harm politics, democracy, economy and national security. Nobody wants to tolerate this anymore. If we want to save Pakistan from political crisis, if we want to bring it out of economic crisis, if we want to deal with threats to national security, whether at the borders or from terrorism, political forces will have to find a political way forward,” he said.

Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s final message, Bilawal said reconciliation remained essential. “Above all, it is necessary to resolve the political crisis. His last message was one of compromise. His last book was also written on this subject. Today or tomorrow we will need reconciliation, and for it to succeed, political parties must leave extremism behind them,” 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 of May 9 and insults against institutions exceed political limits,” he said, adding that the PPP had always restrained its workers, even during periods of strong political pressure.

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

Warning that the current political trajectory is detrimental to both the state and society, Bilawal urged political parties on both sides to act responsibly. “The current policy direction does not benefit the public or the country. It harms our politics, our national security and our democracy,” he said.

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

Reiterating its long-standing stance on provincial autonomy, he said the PPP believed in empowering provinces rather than reducing their authority. “Instead of taking away powers, provinces should be given more responsibilities. They are ready to share the burden of taxation and contribute to economic improvement,” he added, stressing that strengthening the provinces is essential to confront the federal economic crisis.

Bilawal highlighted the party’s role in constitutional reforms, saying preservation of the 18th amendment and protection of provincial rights and the NFC award were major 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.”

“The biggest achievement this year 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 triumph would not have been possible without the sacrifices of Gadhi Khuda Bakhsh, Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Benazir Bhutto’s missile program and aircraft purchased from China under President Zardari, who shot down six Indian aircraft.”

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

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

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