ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged all the political forces to engage in positive and constructive politics to maintain hope in the youth.
While delivering his farewell speech in the National Assembly, Bilawal said it was imperative for all political parties to frame “rules of the game” and a “code of conduct” for future political endeavours.
He said the people of Pakistan have become fed up with the politics of hatred and enmity. He said we have to give hope to the youth of the country as it has to lead the country to serve the masses.
A Charter of Democracy should be formulated, wherein political parties “collectively outline the ‘rules of the game’ and the ‘code of conduct’ for their political affairs and interactions with institutions,” he said
The minister urged all the entities to operate within their defined domains, admitting that the desired progress could not be fully achieved during 15-16 month tenure in the coalition government.
Bilawal called for a concerted effort towards reconciliation to mitigate animosity and enmity in the political landscape. He underscored the significance of a constructive opposition while advocating for a “brand of politics that does not fuel hatred, division, and hostility”.
With upcoming elections on the horizon, he stressed the need for political unity and reconciliation from all to steer the democratic system to continue its smooth journey.
He appealed to the key political figures, including Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, to make decisions that would help create a conducive political environment, notably for Maryam Nawaz and himself.
Highlighting the significant influence of the youth, Bilawal emphasized that the future of the nation rested on their shoulders. There was need for a political approach that “inspires hope and empowers the younger generation to lead the country”.
The upcoming elections would be dedicated to fulfill the aspirations of the youth, he pledged.
He underlined that the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian (PPPP) remained committed to upholding the philosophy and the teachings of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
While opposing policies through constitutional means, the party refrained from abusing its political rivals and maintained a principled stance, he maintained. He also noted that the constitutional process was used to vote out a prime minister.
He asserted that the PPPP’s efforts were aimed at preserving democratic institutions and ensuring the continuous journey of democracy. While in the opposition, their actions, including protests, long marches, and a no-confidence motion, were conducted within the limits of the Constitution.
The verdict of history would ultimately determine the impact of their endeavours, he added.
Bilawal expressed concern over the actions of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, accusing its leadership of undermining democracy, both in government and opposition.
He lamented the party crossed the country’s redlines for the first time in Pakistan’s history by attacking the Jinnah House and military installations. He said it seems that the opposition is not ready to learn lessons from his mistakes.
