LARKANA: “Imran Khan is just a pretext; the real target is Pakistan’s missile program. Those giving statements against Pakistan are not concerned about its welfare. Political puppets are even willing to barter our nuclear assets.”
These remarks were made by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while addressing a large number of supporters gathered up in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana on Friday to mark the anniversary of Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom.
Bilawal paid rich tribute to his mother, calling her “a true representative of Pakistan’s poor, marginalized, and underprivileged.”
He said, “Benazir Bhutto’s 30-year-long political struggle, marked by unparalleled courage, is remembered history. She was a voice for farmers, labourers, and the downtrodden, both in Pakistan and on the global level.”
Other party leaders also addressed the gathering, highlighting Benazir’s legacy and the country’s pressing issues.
Bilawal emphasized that Benazir Bhutto sacrificed her life but never compromised on her principles. “She stood firm against dictators and terrorists and fought for the people until her last breath.”
Referring to those who orchestrated her assassination, he added, “They believed they could silence the voices of Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, but they were mistaken.”
Bilawal also criticized political “puppets” who, he claimed, prioritized personal gains over national interests. “These puppets were imposed on us, and their focus is solely on the Islamabad throne, even if it damages the country.”
Bilawal highlighted myriad issues Pakistan is facing, including economic crises, internal instability, and terrorism, saying that collective action from all stakeholders is needed to address these challenges. “No single party has the mandate or strength to tackle these problems alone,” he added.
He reiterated PPP’s role as a “people’s party” in public and country’s welfare. “The PPP is neither ‘selected’ nor reliant on manipulated mandates like others. We represent the people’s voice and will continue to do so.”
Bilawal slammed PML-N government
The PPP chairman expressed disappointment with the current coalition government, and accusing it of failing to uphold agreements made with PPP regarding flood rehabilitation and developmental priorities.
“Despite supporting the government in the parliament, our members return to their constituencies empty-handed,” he complained.
“This is not how governments function, he added, and called for decisions based on consensus in the parliament, warning that unilateral actions would not resolve Pakitan’s issues.
We will save Pakistan, resolves Asif Ali Zardari
President Asif Ali Zardari also addressed the rally, emphasizing his commitment to “save Pakistan”.
He assured the public that their rights to resources like water and gas would be protected. “What is yours will remain yours, and what belongs to others will go to them,” he affirmed.
While acknowledging the challenges facing the country, he expressed confidence in overcoming them, saying, “We are seasoned in confronting pain and challenges. No one can deter us.”
Referring to past injustices, Zardari said, “Even after 45 years, we reversed the judicial murder of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. That was a grave injustice.”