Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that state institutions should not be used for political vendettas and that he does not support targeting anyone politically.
During a speech at Oxford Union, prestigious debating society that invites world leaders to speak on issues before academics and students, Bilawal said that democracy in Pakistan remains fragile but noted that other nations also face challenges in maintaining democratic values.
He recalled that in the past, PPP was unfairly targeted under the guise of accountability, just as Shahbaz Sharif and other political figures were arrested during PTI’s tenure.
The event was an ode to former PPP prime minister, titled 'Benazir Bhutto Memorial Lecture’ to discuss democracy in divided world. Oxford University President Israr Khan hosted the event.
Bilawal spoke at length about his mother-Benazir Bhutto, an alumnus of prestigious university and also Union’s first Asian woman president. Bilawal hailed her mother's sacrifices for democracy, her commitments to politics and her role as mother.
Earlier, in an interview with a German TV channel during the Munich Security Conference 2025 on February 18, Bilawal highlighted that Pakistan has historically played a vital role in US-China relations and can once again serve as a bridge between the two global powers.
However, he warned that India’s growing tensions with China could disrupt regional stability and urged the United States to play a role in reviving Pakistan-India trade and dialogue.
Bilawal emphasised that both Pakistan and India, as nuclear-armed nations, face common challenges such as poverty and unemployment, which should push both sides towards cooperation rather than hostility.
On February 16, during an informal discussion with journalists at the Munich Security Conference, Bilawal expressed concern that Pakistan is not adequately preparing its youth and economy for the modern IT era.
He stressed that technology, AI, and digital transformation must be key priorities for Pakistan’s future.
Bilawal also mentioned his participation in the AI Conference in France, where he discussed Pakistan’s role in the evolving global tech landscape.
Reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan’s sovereignty, Bilawal asserted that Pakistan’s army and parliament belong solely to Pakistan, underscoring the country’s independence in global affairs.