Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari on Saturday urged an end to war and called for regional stability, saying conflict is not the solution to any problem, as he addressed a gathering marking the death anniversary of PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Speaking at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal said Pakistan has been affected by rising tensions in the region and emphasized that the country’s people are suffering due to ongoing conflicts. He strongly condemned the aggression against Iran and reiterated that Pakistan desires peace. “We will face all kinds of situations,” he said, adding that the nation remains resilient in difficult times.
Highlighting the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal stated that the nuclear programme initiated under his leadership continues to defend the country today. He remarked that those who target Muslim countries can no longer do so with impunity, crediting Pakistan’s strength to Bhutto’s vision. He added that Bhutto’s ideology was rooted in serving the people of Pakistan and that the public is fully aware of the real objectives behind current global conflicts.
Bilawal spoke about domestic challenges, noting that both federal and provincial governments are working together to address economic difficulties. He said the Sindh government is taking strong steps to provide relief, particularly to farmers, including plans for financial assistance through special cards and subsidy programmes. He urged farmers owning up to 25 acres of land to register in order to benefit from these schemes.
The PPP chairman announced initiatives to support motorcycle owners, including subsidies and waiver of transfer fees, along with measures to control public transport fares across Sindh. He emphasized that relief efforts are being delivered transparently under the Benazir Income Support Programme and expressed hope that the federal government would use the platform for broader assistance, even suggesting a mini-budget if needed.
Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, senior PPP leaders paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at a seminar held at the Arts Council.
Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf said history bears witness that both Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto were martyred in Rawalpindi. He recalled Bhutto’s courage, saying he continued addressing the public despite threats to his life and empowered people by strengthening their right to vote.
Raja Pervez noted that Bhutto taught not only how to live but also how to sacrifice for principles, adding that democracy rests in the hands of the people. He recalled the public reaction after Bhutto’s execution, stating that while protests were intense, demonstrators refrained from damaging public property.
Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, addressing the seminar, described Bhutto as a great leader who gave identity, respect and constitutional rights to the nation. He credited Bhutto for introducing the concept of “one man, one vote,” establishing the Senate and reducing provincial disparities.
Gilani emphasized that Pakistan’s security today is linked to Bhutto’s nuclear vision and congratulated party workers, lawyers and local leadership for organizing the event. He said that Bilawal represents the aspirations of a majority of Pakistan’s youth.
PPP leaders at the event stressed the need for unity and collective effort to strengthen the party, particularly in Punjab, and called on workers to move forward with renewed passion and commitment.