Bilawal Bhutto Calls for Reconciliation at Benazir Bhutto’s 18th Martyrdom Anniversary Rally

ALI Imran Chattha Nazrana Times

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while addressing a massive public rally on the 18th martyrdom anniversary of the slain leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, paid tribute to the Islamic world's first and Pakistan's twice-elected female Prime Minister and great political strategist. He said Bibi's final message was reconciliation, and political parties must abandon extremism.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that resolving the internal political crisis is indispensable for tackling the country's economic difficulties and external challenges. He said that only the "King of Reconciliation," President Asif Ali Zardari, can steer the country out of the current political division.

Key Points from the Address:

1. Tribute to Benazir Bhutto & Public Support

· Bilawal stated that 18 years on, millions from all four provinces gather annually at Ghari Khuda Bakhsh to send a message to her killers and the world: “Bibi was alive yesterday, Bibi is alive today.”

· He thanked the people for their unwavering support, which gives the party strength to go to Islamabad and strive to solve their problems.

· The rally was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and senior party leaders.

2. National Defense & Legacy of Sacrifice

· Credited the sacrifices of Ghari Khuda Bakhsh for Pakistan's victory in the May war with India, which was praised globally.

· Said Pakistan became a nuclear power due to sacrifices from this region, and it was Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who secured the missile technology for the country's defense.

· Claimed the fighter jets that downed 6 Indian aircraft in the recent war were also acquired from China by President Zardari.

· Asserted that after the defeat, Narendra Modi has disappeared, and the Indian PM goes silent upon hearing the name of Pakistan's Field Marshal General Asim Munir.

3. Pakistan-China Friendship & Leadership Role

· Stated that the foundation of Pak-China friendship was laid by Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, later strengthened by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari.

· Highlighted that President Zardari laid the groundwork for mega-projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during his previous term, further solidifying the bond.

4. Constitutional Amendment & Federality

· Termed the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment a success for the party workers (Jiyalas), which made the establishment of a Constitutional Court possible—a party manifesto promise made by Benazir Bhutto.

· Declared PPP a serious federalist party that believes provincial rights can be protected while solving federal issues.

· Proposed that instead of snatching provincial rights, more responsibilities like tax collection should be devolved. The federation should offload the burden of institutions like HESCO, PESCO, and LESCO to the provinces.

5. Economic Crisis & PPP's Governance Model

· Questioned the federal government's claims of economic growth, asking why the common man is suffering from inflation, unemployment, and poverty if the economy is improving.

· Claimed only PPP has the capability and manifesto to pull the people out of crises.

· Praised revolutionary initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) launched by President Zardari.

· Highlighted the Sindh government's project to build 2 million houses for flood-affected families, with ownership rights given to women of the households.

· Mentioned the Sindh government's decision to provide 100% free, world-class healthcare after the 18th Amendment, with 50% of patients in Sindh hospitals now coming from other provinces.

· Appreciated federal and Sindh government measures like the agricultural emergency and the Benazir Hari Card for providing financial support to farmers.

6. Call for Political Reconciliation & Zardari's Role

· Condemned events like May 9 and insulting institutions, stating they have no place in politics.

· Recalled that despite the judicial murder of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, PPP never took the law into its own hands and fought politically.

· Said after Benazir Bhutto's martyrdom, when chants of "Na Khapay" (Not Acceptable) were everywhere, President Zardari raised the slogan "Pakistan Khapay" (Pakistan is Acceptable) and saved the country and the federation.

· Emphasized that political parties must find a "political way" out of the ongoing crisis.

· Declared that in the current atmosphere of political division, if there is one acceptable individual and a beacon of hope for Pakistan's people and political parties, it is the "King of Reconciliation," President Asif Ali Zardari.

· Concluded that the senior leadership would decide the method and timing of reconciliation, but everyone must play their role to provide relief to the people and tackle national challenges.