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

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

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

“Political divisions are harming politics, democracy, the 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 rescue it from the economic crisis, if we want to confront threats to national security, whether at the borders or from terrorism, political forces will have to find a political path,” he said.

Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s final message, Bilawal said reconciliation remained essential. “Before anything else, it is necessary to resolve the political crisis. Her last message was of compromise. Her book was also written on this. Today or tomorrow, we will need reconciliation, and for it to succeed, political parties must leave extremism behind,” he said.

He criticised political intolerance and attacks on state institutions, referring to the events of May 9. “Political workers must operate within the bounds of politics. Attacks like those on May 9 and insulting institutions are outside political limits,” 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 after Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, President Asif Ali Zardari upheld the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’, which, he said, helped save democracy and the country.

Warning that the current political trajectory was damaging both the state and society, Bilawal urged political parties on both sides of the aisle to act responsibly. “Today’s political direction benefits neither the public nor the country. It is damaging our politics, national security, and democracy,” he said.

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

Reiterating his long-standing stance on provincial autonomy, he said the PPP believes in empowering provinces rather than curtailing their authority. “Instead of taking powers away, 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 provinces is key to addressing the federal economic crisis.”

Bilawal highlighted the party’s role in constitutional reforms, saying the 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 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 recognised globally,’ he said, attributing it to national unity, the country’s nuclear capability, and past defence initiatives.”

“The biggest achievement this year is that our armed forces, backed by the nation, defeated India on the battlefield in May. India has yet to digest this defeat, and even Modi hides at the mention of our Field Marshal,” he said.

He added, “This victory belongs to all of Pakistan and has been recognised globally. The triumph would not have been possible without the sacrifices of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Pakistan’s nuclear capability, Benazir Bhutto’s missile programme, and the aircraft procured from China under President Zardari’s leadership, which downed 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 programme 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 the Benazir Income Support Programme, flood rehabilitation efforts in Sindh, expanded healthcare access through public-private partnerships, and scholarship programmes in Sindh and Balochistan.

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