Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday, in his first public address at a party convention in Punjab’s Gujranwala city, pledged to continue his family’s decades-long struggle for justice for his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Addressing the party workers in Gujranwala, he said “We are grateful to the Supreme Court for finally hearing the Zulfikar Bhutto reference after 12 years.” “The court has acknowledged the delay and is now actively pursuing the case.”
The PPP chairman further highlighted the role of the judiciary in correcting the historical wrongs committed against Bhutto. “The judiciary has an opportunity to wash its hands of the blood spilled and erase the stain from its history,” he asserted.
Expressing confidence in the judicial process, he said, “I believe the judiciary will deliver justice in the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case. The people have already pronounced their verdict, declaring him innocent. Now, the court has the opportunity to officially pronounce him a victim of injustice.”
He emphasized the importance of correcting history and ensuring that ordinary Pakistanis can access justice. "Bhutto's legacy deserves vindication," he proclaimed. "He gave the gift of nuclear power to the nation and fought for the rights of workers. His vision and leadership ushered in a democratic era in Pakistan, and his murder was a tragic blow to the nation's progress."
The former foreign minister emphasized that the PPP's struggle for justice extends beyond the Bhutto case. "We are facing poverty, inflation, and unemployment," he acknowledged. "We are not here to compete with other political parties or players. Our focus is on tackling the real issues that affect the lives of millions of Pakistanis."
He attributed the current economic troubles to the policies of the incumbent government, stating that the solution lies in Bhutto's ideology and manifesto. "Bhutto's vision for a prosperous and equitable Pakistan remains relevant today," he affirmed.
In a departure from the divisive rhetoric often employed by Pakistani politicians, Bilawal emphasized unity and inclusivity. "We believe in a politics that is free from hate, division, and backbiting," he declared. "My political training under the guidance of Benazir Bhutto instilled in me the values of tolerance and respect for all."
Mr Bhutto address resonated with the large crowd gathered at the convention. His commitment to justice for Zulfikar Bhutto, his focus on addressing the nation's economic problems, and his message of unity offer a hopeful vision for the future of Pakistan.
Bilawal Bhutto expressed skepticism about Nawaz Sharif's political ambitions, warning that if given a fifth chance, he may shoot himself in the foot. Bhutto highlighted Sharif's history of conflicts with those who facilitated his rise to power and pointed out the curious case of running the government remotely during his brother's term.
He didn't mince words, stating, "Nawaz Sharif has a track record of clashing with his own allies who supported him into office, only to later question why he was ousted. I believe this pattern is likely to persist." Citing Sharif's four previous terms as Prime Minister and insinuating influence during his brother's tenure, Bhutto suggested that the former premier may attempt to steer the government from behind the scenes for a fifth term.
Bhutto remarked, "Nawaz Sharif enjoyed the prime ministerial seat four times, and for the fifth, he seemingly operated his brother's government through a remote control." Shifting gears, Bhutto also commented on the political landscape, specifically addressing the Chief Justice's statement about the election date.
The former FM revealed, "According to the Chief Justice, if the decision rested solely with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), there wouldn't have been a coalition on February 8. He emphasized the commitment to holding elections on the specified date." Bhutto's remarks add a layer of scrutiny to Nawaz Sharif's potential return to power, emphasizing historical patterns and implying concerns about the dynamics within the political landscape as elections approach.
While highlighting his commitment to serving the people and addressing the nation’s economic challenges, he emphasized his focus on empowering women and providing them with greater financial and social security.
Drawing inspiration from his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal pledged to prioritize public service over divisive politics. "Benazir Bhutto taught us the politics of service, not hatred and division," he declared.
Acknowledging the current economic crisis, Bilawal acknowledged the need for collective action. "Today, we are facing immense economic pressure. My hands are tied, but I need your support," he appealed to the crowd. "Together, we can overcome these challenges."
Bilawal pointed to the PPP's history of creating jobs and supporting the youth. "Whenever the PPP forms the government, it gives employment to the youth," he stated. "In the past, Benazir Bhutto's name was synonymous with bringing employment opportunities."
He highlighted existing programs like the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) that provide financial assistance to underprivileged women. "Poor women are getting financial help from BISP," he said. "I will further enhance the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP)."
The former FM pledged to prioritize women's rights in all PPP projects. "Bilawal Bhutto will ensure that every project of the PPP benefits women," he declared. He also spoke about the housing initiatives undertaken by the PPP government in Sindh, where 2 million houses are being built and ownership rights are being given to women.
The PPP chairman unveiled several social welfare programs he plans to implement if the PPP comes to power. These include the Benazir Mazdoor Card, providing pension, education, and treatment to workers; the Kisan card, assisting farmers and peasants; and redirecting fertilizer subsidies to benefit small farmers instead of large corporations.
"The government of the PPP is actually the government of farmers and peasants," Bilawal declared and added, “our government will be formed and we will help them through the Kisan card.”
