Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday lambasted on his political opponents for their reluctance to campaign, attributing it to fear of the people and flimsy excuses like the “cold weather” or “security risks.”
In a fiery speech at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Worker Convention, he, ignited a wave of hope and defiance among the province’s workers, mothers, sisters, and youth. His visit, following successful rallies in Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh, brought a message of economic empowerment and social upliftment to the people of KP.
Addressing the electorate’s concerns, the PPP chairman didn’t shy away from criticizing his opponents. He lambasted their reluctance to campaign, attributing it to fear of the people and flimsy excuses like the “cold weather.”
“Those who run away on the pretext of cold are fighting the election because of us,” he declared, his voice ringing out across the crowd. “They say security is a risk, but I tell you, this head can be cut, but it cannot be bent.”
This unwavering resolve resonated deeply with the crowd, who cheered in support. Bilawal highlighted the dire realities of KP – the resurfacing of terrorism, crippling economic woes, and the divisions sown by hateful politics. He emphasized that people were fighting elections not to serve, but to escape the very problems they should be addressing.
The Bhutto scion’s speech wasn’t just about pointing fingers. He presented a concrete 10-point manifesto focused on tackling the three biggest issues plaguing the nation: inflation, poverty, and unemployment. He envisioned a transformative economic revolution that would double everyone's income and promised tangible solutions like free solar electricity and housing initiatives.
“We will bring such an economic revolution that everyone’s income will double,” he proclaimed, his words met with thunderous applause. “We will provide 300 units of solar electricity for free and build 300,000 houses for free. We will regularize all slums.”
Bilawal's vision extended beyond mere economic prosperity. He pledged to uplift the marginalized segments of society, promising to serve women with the same care and respect one shows to their mothers. He envisioned a unique card system for workers, farmers, and youth, granting them access to education, healthcare, pensions, and dedicated support systems like the Mazdoor Card for workers and the Kisan Card for farmers.
“I will serve the oppressed through education, health, and pensions,” he said, adding that he will serve workers through Mazdoor Card and bring an agricultural revolution in the country through Kisan Card.
The former foreign minister didn’t shy away from his party’s legacy. He embraced the mantle of the "people's party," taking full responsibility for its past performance and pledging to do better. “Whatever the blame should be on the PPP,” he declared, “we accept it. But remember, the PPP is the only party that truly stands for the people!”
He then turned his attention to the youth, a crucial demographic often neglected in Pakistani politics. “Young people walk around with 2, 2 degrees in their hands and yet cannot find employment,” he lamented. "Quaid-e-Awam established educational institutions in this province, but what good are they if graduates have no future?" He promised to establish universities in all districts if the PPP formed the government, ensuring education translated into meaningful opportunities.
