If voted to power, PPP will launch new economic corridor: Bilawal

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday paid rich tribute to the victims of Karsaz bomb blast when scores of party workers died in 2007 while attending the homecoming reception rally of former prime minister late Benazir Bhutto.

On October 18, 2007, Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan after eight years of self-exile when she was greeted by a sea of supporters, waving flags and chanting slogans before the tradgedy struck.

As soon as her truck crossed the Karsaz bridge in Karachi, a deafening blast shattered the festive mood. A suicide bomber had targeted her rally, killing and injuring hundreds of people. Benazir escaped unhurt, but she was shaken.

In his address to PPP supporters in Karachi, Bilawal said: “Today, we have all gathered here to commemorate the victims of the tragic incident, and the PPP also stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people.”

He said that Benazir Bhutto’s remarkable and passionate return was met with an enthusiastic reception. “On this day, PPP workers once again displayed great courage. In the dark of the night, cowardly terrorists launched an attack. When an attack was made on Benazir Bhutto in the darkness of the night, Jiyalas gave their lives. When cowardly terrorists attacked, 200 Jiyalas were martyred. Benazir Bhutto was the true face of Pakistan. You won’t find political workers like Jiyalas, who are both brave and loyal. Jiyalas are at the forefront of the struggle for democracy.”

“آج ہم یہاں اپنے شہداء کو یاد کرنے اور اپنے فلسطینی بہن بھائیوں سے اظہار یکجہتی کیلئے جمع ہوئے ہیں، تاکہ فلسطینی بہن بھائیوں کو یہ دیکھا سکیں کہ وہ اکیلے نہیں ہیں پاکستان کی عوام ان کے ساتھ ہے۔”

چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری@BBhuttoZardari #SalamShuhadaeKarsaz pic.twitter.com/QauiTnOfAB

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) October 18, 2023

He said that “today, we will also express our solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters. The people of Karachi stand with the people of Palestine. The people of Palestine were never alone yesterday, and they will not be alone tomorrow. As long as Pakistan exists, the people of Palestine cannot be left alone. The people of Palestine and the PPP share a longstanding connection. It was Yasser Arafat who asked Ziaul Haq not to hang Zulfikar Bhutto. But that deceitful man reneged on his promise, and Zulfikar Bhutto was hanged. The people of Palestine were with us during difficult times. Today, when the people of Palestine are in trouble, we are with them.”

He said that Benazir Bhutto was the first prime minister to visit Palestine. Yasser Arafat visited Gari Khuda Bux on Benazir Bhutto’s invitation.

“The people of Pakistan condemn the oppression faced by the people of Palestine. We demand that the prime minister and foreign minister do not remain silent on the Palestinian issue. On the Palestinian issue, all of Pakistan stands united.”

Bilawal said that “Today, Pakistan is divided on every issue. We need national unity. To resolve our national issues, we must abandon the politics of hatred and name-calling. The Pakistan of today needs a new way of thinking and politics. We need new leadership for the new era. We must leave behind the politics of blame and mud-slinging.”

“آج ہمیں ایک قومی اتحاد قائم کرنے کی ضرورت ہے اگر ہم اپنے قومی مسائل حل کرنا چاہتے ہیں تو ہمیں نفرت، تقسیم اور گالی کی سیاست کو چھوڑنا ہوگا کیونکہ آج کے پاکستان کو ایک نئی سوچ اور نئی قیادت کی ضرورت ہے۔”

چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری @BBhuttoZardari… pic.twitter.com/e9TAGGiCsP

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) October 18, 2023

He said that the politics of “selection” has torn democracy to shreds in the country. We must move forward. Elections must be held. The people have the right to decide their future. Parliament and politics must find their place. We must abandon the politics of hatred and accusations. The people must have the right to choose their representatives. This is not “yours” or “mine”, it is “ours.”

The PPP chairman said that “We must have patience in politics. We must run the country in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Zulfikar Bhutto’s era was for labourers and farmers. Benazir Bhutto’s era was not for the elites but for the youth.

Pakistan needs new political leadership at this time. Economic progress must be in the interest of the people. When the common man becomes the centre of the economy, the entire country will progress.”

“Today, the people still have hope in the Pakistan People’s Party. The PPP’s legacy includes historic achievements, relief from inflation, poverty, and unemployment. The people of Pakistan are with the PPP today, just as they were in the past. The true value of benevolence will be recognized by the PPP. Today, young people hope that the PPP will provide them with employment.”

“پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی نے تھر کے ریگستان میں تھر کول جیسے منصوبے کا آغاز کیا، جس نے نا صرف مقامی عوام کو روزگار دیا بلکہ سستی بجلی پیدا کر کے پاکستان کی معیشت اور انڈسٹری کو بھی فائدہ دیا۔”

چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری @BBhuttoZardari #SalamShuhadaeKarsaz pic.twitter.com/L9G6Q6dgYa

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) October 18, 2023

He further said: “We have set up free and quality healthcare across Sindh. We have initiated development projects throughout Sindh. When Asif Ali Zardari was president, his China visit faced criticism. When the PPP comes to power, we will launch a new economic corridor throughout the country.”