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

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday described the country’s political situation as ‘political extremism’ and called on the political forces to find a solution to steer Pakistan out of its deepening divisions that are undermining national security.

Addressing a gathering on the 18th birthday of his mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Gadhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal stressed that Pakistan’s crises could only be resolved through a political solution.

“Political divisions are hurting 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 save it from the economic crisis, if we want to confront threats to national security, be it at the borders or from terrorism, the political forces will have to find a political way,” he said.

Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s last message, Bilawal said reconciliation remained essential. “Before anything else, it is necessary to resolve the political crisis. Her last message was a compromise. Her last book was also written about this. Today or tomorrow we need reconciliation, and for that to happen, 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 operate within the boundaries of politics. Attacks like those of May 9 and insulting institutions are outside political boundaries,” he said, adding that the PPP had always restrained its workers even during periods of severe 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 the killing of Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari maintained the slogan of Pakistan Khappay, which he said helped save democracy and the country.

Bilawal warned that the current political trajectory was harming both the state and society and called on political parties on both sides of the aisle to act responsibly. “Today’s political direction does not benefit the public or the country. It harms our politics, national security and democracy,” he said.

Referring to President Zardari’s role, Bilawal said, “If one person is trusted to resolve the political divide, it is President Zardari. He is the king of reconciliation and can guide Pakistan out of difficulties.”

Reiterating his long-held position on provincial autonomy, he said the PPP believes in empowering provinces rather than curtailing their authority. “Instead of taking away power, the provinces should have more responsibility. They are ready to share the tax burden and contribute to economic improvement,” he added, stressing that strengthening provinces is key to dealing with the federal economic crisis.”

Highlighting the party’s role in constitutional reforms, Bilawal said the preservation of the 18th Amendment and the protection of provincial rights and the NFC award were major achievements. He described the establishment of the Constitutional Court as part of the fulfillment of 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, supported 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 the aircraft procured from China under President Zardari, which shot down six Indian jets.”

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 small farmers in Sindh had received financial assistance following the Prime Minister’s announcement.

He also highlighted social welfare initiatives including Benazir’s income support programme, flood rehabilitation efforts in Sindh, expanded access to healthcare through public-private partnerships and scholarship programs in Sindh and Balochistan.

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