Bilawal expresses discontent with both ruling, opposition parties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alluded to both the ruling and opposition political parties as being responsible for the persistent instability in the country, calling for a balanced approach to governance, political reform, and economic stability.

He was addressing the workers and supporters of his party via video link to mark the PPP’s 57th foundation day on Saturday.

Commenting on the causes of “persistent instability” he criticized the current opposition, labeling it neither democratic nor political, and condemned the events of May 9 as beyond the bounds of politics. “Attacks like these are not political activities,” he said, urging political parties to work within their limits for the country’s betterment.

Bilawal emphasized that political stability must be achieved through negotiation or force if necessary. He reaffirmed the PPP’s belief in dialogue among political parties while warning against undermining democratic processes. “Peaceful protests are a citizen’s right,” he added, while urging the federal and provincial governments to fulfill their responsibilities to restore order.

The PPP chairman expressed concern over the resurgence of terrorism, which he said is adversely affecting Pakistan’s foreign relations. Referring to the ongoing Kurram crisis, he criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for failing to address law and order. “Instead of resolving the public’s issues, the chief minister incites division and chaos,” he remarked.

Bilawal called for a revamped National Action Plan to tackle terrorism, reiterating the need for a collective approach to ensure peace and security.

He stressed the critical role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy, describing it as “the backbone of the economy.” He criticized the Shehbaz Sharif government’s recent move to increase tax on the agricultural sector, calling them an “economic assassination of farmers,” and demanded a unified tax reform plan.

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“Supporting agriculture means supporting Pakistan’s economy,” he said, suggesting that any water-related disputes or reforms should be addressed through political engagement rather than unilateral decisions.

Continuing his criticism of the current government, the PPP chairman voiced concerns about restrictive VPN and firewall policies, urging the government to reconsider these measures. “Pakistan’s youth have demonstrated remarkable talent globally in the tech sector,” he noted, adding that modern technology is key to the nation’s future prosperity.

Bilawal called for a stronger partnership between representatives and the judiciary to ensure justice. He reflected on the wrongful trial of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, describing the recent acknowledgment of its flaws as a hard-won validation after 50 years.

He urged unity and foresight in addressing the challenges facing Pakistan. “We must play our role in strengthening the economy, supporting our youth, and fostering political consensus because this is not just about Pakistan’s present but its future as well.”