Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon what he termed “extremist politics” and rejoin the democratic mainstream, saying such a shift would benefit the party, its leadership, and the country as a whole.
Speaking at the inauguration of an intensive care unit at the Larkana Children’s Hospital, Bilawal said political stability and the survival of democracy depend on responsible behavior from both the government and the opposition. He warned that confrontational politics only deepen instability and invite tougher responses. “If you choose extreme politics, you cannot later complain about the consequences,” he remarked.
The PPP chief criticised PTI for targeting state institutions following the arrest of its leader, questioning the unequal political response. He said that if the PPP had acted in a similar manner, the outcome would have been far harsher. “We must ask ourselves why different standards apply,” he said, stressing that respect for institutions is essential for democracy.
Referring to accountability cases, Bilawal said legal processes should be faced through courts rather than street agitation. He added that attacking institutions in reaction to arrests weakens the democratic system and ultimately harms political parties themselves.
Bilawal reiterated that reconciliation remains the core philosophy of the PPP. He credited President Asif Ali Zardari for promoting reconciliation in the past and said the same approach was needed in the current tense political environment. According to him, dialogue not confrontation is the only sustainable way forward.
Highlighting regional and internal challenges, Bilawal pointed to rising border tensions with India and Afghanistan, along with ongoing terrorism threats. He cautioned that during such fragile times, any politics resembling extremism would be met with a firm state response.
On electoral matters, Bilawal said elections would be held on time and urged all political parties to work together on reforms to ensure transparency. He noted that there was still time to address concerns and improve the electoral process through consensus.
Turning to governance in Sindh, Bilawal highlighted major healthcare initiatives, claiming the province had developed advanced facilities unmatched elsewhere in the country. He said the launch of modern ICUs in Larkana and the expansion of paediatric services with the ChildLife Foundation had contributed to Sindh achieving the lowest child mortality rate in Pakistan.
Acknowledging the country’s economic hardships, Bilawal said salaried citizens were under severe financial pressure. He promised that the PPP would work to ease the burden through people-friendly policies inspired by the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
He also criticised government claims of economic progress, arguing that ordinary citizens still struggle to afford education and healthcare. On privatisation, he said the PPP supports public-private partnerships, citing successful models such as the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and healthcare initiatives, which he said had gained international recognition.
Bilawal concluded by stressing that politics should ultimately serve the people, adding that democratic engagement, reconciliation, and institutional respect are the only paths toward a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
