KARACHI: Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, addressed a rally in Karachi’s Lyari on Friday, marking the birth anniversary of his mother and former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto. Speaking passionately, Bilawal reiterated his commitment to continuing the legacy of his late mother and emphasized the importance of government consultation ahead of budget decisions. “We are determined to carry forward the struggle of Bibi Shaheed [Benazir Bhutto],” Bilawal stated, highlighting Benazir Bhutto’s historic role as the first woman Prime Minister in the Muslim world. He entered politics following her assassination in 2007, with his father and party co-chairman, Asif Ali Zardari, guiding the party after that.
Acknowledging the challenging economic conditions in Pakistan, Bilawal commented, “The economic conditions of the country are before everyone.” He recognized the efforts of the incumbent government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to address the economic crisis, yet voiced disappointment over not being consulted before the budget announcement. “The government should have consulted us before the budget, and if our input had been there, it would have been better,” Bilawal emphasized. Despite these grievances, he affirmed that PPP representatives continue to engage constructively with the government. “Even today, our representatives are sitting with the government,” he added. Expressing optimism in the government’s ability to fulfill its promises, Bilawal stated, “We hope that PM Shehbaz Sharif will fulfill his commitments.” He concluded by pledging the PPP’s unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of the people. “We will always raise the voice of the people, and our struggle to get their rights will continue,” he affirmed.
