If a political party supports terrorism, governor’s rule may become inevitable, says PPP chairman
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addresses a press conference after a meeting of the PPP Azad Jammu and Kashmir Parliamentary Party on Friday. Photo: NNI
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed concern about political parties adopting extremist positions, stressing that while he does not want a ban on any political party, there is a need for responsible political behaviour.
“I don’t want a ban on political parties, but what should I do if a political party behaves like an extremist organization?” Bilawal stated while addressing the media in Lahore on Wednesday, stressing that any such party must adopt a more political approach and move away from extremism.
He further warned that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) actions could lead to restrictions, saying, “If PTI continues with this kind of behaviour, a ban may be necessary.” He added: “Someone should tell them to engage in politics, not extremism.”
Regarding Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Bilawal mentioned that he had not seen the statement of the governor on the possibility of governor’s rule in the province. However, he warned that if a political party supports terrorists instead of confronting them, it could lead to the imposition of governor’s rule.
“If PTI’s actions continue, governor’s rule may become a necessity,” Bilawal explained. He stressed that if the parties focus on opposing military actions – especially calling for the withdrawal of the army – instead of fighting terrorism, it could create a situation where governor’s rule becomes inevitable.
Bilawal also stated that Pakistan won the war against India and India still has not recovered from it. “They continue to conspire at our borders and terrorists from Afghanistan continue to launch attacks,” he added.
He criticized elements in Pakistan who, instead of standing against the enemy, spoke the language of the enemy and spread propaganda against the military leadership. “I demand that political parties cut ties with these propagandists,” he said.
The PPP chairman also stressed that political parties should compete with the PPP in Sindh and the PML-N in Punjab, accusing some parties of playing the role of a political trickster. “I am free to criticize or praise the government,” Bilawal remarked, stressing that he is working according to his mandate. He also expressed his support for the involvement of both opposition and government in the political process.
Bilawal publicly appealed to Maryam Nawaz to contest elections from Sindh, saying, “It would make me happy if Maryam Nawaz, or any member of the Muslim League, contests in Sindh as it will strengthen the political process.”
He also stated that the Election Commission does not have the confidence of either the allies or opposition parties. The PPP chairman emphasized the importance of electoral reforms to prevent claims by a “handpicked” prime minister or chief ministers and stressed that he could not be accused of being elected under Form 47.
