• Seeks political unity to counter ‘global conspiracies’ against Pakistan; calls for collective action to combat terrorism
• President Zardari assures country will be pulled out of present crises, calls for adapting to changing world
• PPP supporters mark 17th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto

LARKANA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Friday accused foreign powers of targeting the country’s nuclear and missile programmes under the guise of supporting PTI founder Imran Khan.

Speaking at an event held to mark the 17th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Mr Bhutto-Zardari criticised recent statements from US lawmakers about Pakistan’s internal politics.

“Imran is just an excuse. The real target is Pakistan’s atomic programme … (and) missile technology,” he said, urging the jailed PTI founder to clarify his position in this regard.

He called for political unity to counter alleged international conspiracies against Pakistan. “We have to think about Pakistan and its defence while keeping aside politics,” he said, insisting that international powers were casting an evil eye on nuclear technology “gifted by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto”.

He also criticised “foreign interference”, adding that statements issued from the US about Pakistan’s internal politics are merely a smokescreen.

The PPP chairman accused certain lobbies of pushing for a government in Pakistan that would compromise on the country’s strategic assets. He reiterated that PTI and its founder should condemn these statements and clarify their position.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari reminded the audience of the contributions of his grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who he said established Pakistan’s nuclear programme, and his mother, Benazir Bhutto, who introduced missile technology. “They [foreign powers] want to strip Muslim countries of such capabilities,” he claimed.

He paid tribute to Benazir Bhutto, highlighting her “struggle for democracy and the rights of the downtrodden”. He stressed that his mother stood firm against dictators and terrorists, never compromising on her principles.

He accused those behind her assassination of attempting to silence the people’s voice. “Only puppets ready to compromise on national and provincial rights have been imposed since her death,” he added.

‘Govt can’t operate unilaterally’

The PPP chief also called for collective action to combat terrorism and external pressures. “No single party can tackle these issues alone; all stakeholders must work together,” he stressed.

He also criticised the current government’s lack of consensus on major decisions. “Governments cannot operate unilaterally; decisions reached through consensus are always stronger,” he remarked.

He appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari to put forth a proposal for making decisions with consensus, as “decisions arrived at with consensus are always strong”.

Mr Bhutto-Zardari highlighted Mr Zardari’s past achievements, such as the 18th Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, describing them as outcomes of a reconciliation-based approach.

He emphasised the need to once again make consensus-driven decisions to ensure political stability and safeguard the agriculture and technology sectors from economic setbacks linked to international conspiracies.

He also criticised what he termed as a “unilateral” policy on canals and affirmed that the PPP would continue to defend and protect people’s rights within the political space available to them through legal means.

Zardari vows to overcome challenges

In his speech, President Zardari expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to overcome its current challenges. “With the support of the people, we will pull the country out of these difficulties,” he said.

Referring to the PPP’s legacy, he said, “We have taken an oath, and it is our commitment with the people and the land to remain loyal to Pakistan and the federation. If there is any superpower, God is the greatest of it,” he said.

He stressed that it was because of Benazir Bhutto’s and people’s prayers and strength that “I am here as president for the second time”.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s reversal of its opinion on the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case, Mr Zardari said, “After 45 years of struggle, we have succeeded in reversing the decision on Shaheed Zulfikar Ali and proved that it (his execution) was a judicial murder.”

Mr Zardari also touched on the water and gas distribution issues, promising that everyone would get their rightful share. “The world is changing, and we must adapt.”

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2024