If any political party supports terrorism, governor’s rule could become inevitable, says PPP chairman
Pakistan Peoples 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 Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has voiced concerns about political parties adopting extremist stances, stressing that, while he does not wish a ban on any political party, there is a need for responsible political behaviour.
“I do not wish a ban on political parties, but what am I supposed to do if a political party behaves like an extremist organisation?” Bilawal stated while speaking to the media in Lahore on Wednesday, emphasising that any such party must adopt a more political approach and move away from extremism.
He further warned that the actions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could lead to restrictions, stating, “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 (K-P), Bilawal mentioned that he had not seen the statement from the governor regarding the possibility of governor’s rule in the province. However, he warned that if any 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 could become a necessity,” Bilawal explained. He emphasised that if parties focus on opposing military actions—particularly calls for the withdrawal of the army—rather than combating 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 hasn’t recovered from it. “They continue to conspire at our borders, and terrorists from Afghanistan continue to launch attacks,” he added.
He criticised elements within Pakistan who, instead of standing against the enemy, were speaking the enemy’s language and spreading propaganda against the military leadership. “I demand political parties sever ties with these propagandists,” he said.
The PPP chairman also stressed that political parties should compete with PPP in Sindh and PML-N in Punjab, accusing some parties of playing the role of a political trickster. “I am free to criticise or praise the government,” Bilawal remarked, emphasising that he works according to his mandate. He also expressed his support for the inclusion of both opposition and government in the political process.
Bilawal made a public appeal for Maryam Nawaz to contest elections from Sindh, saying, “It would make me happy if Maryam Nawaz, or any member of the Muslim League, runs in Sindh, as it will strengthen the political process.”
He also stated that the Election Commission does not have the confidence of either the allied or opposition parties. The PPP chairman underlined the importance of electoral reforms to prevent claims of a “selected” prime minister or chief ministers, stressing that he could not be accused of being selected under Form 47.
