KARACHI: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), expressed unwavering support for the people of Gaza and Palestine during a rally in Karachi on Sunday. He emphasized that Pakistan stands firmly with Gaza, condemning the ongoing violence and atrocities committed against children and civilians.
Addressing the gathering, Bhutto Zardari noted that Pakistan has been witnessing the tragic events in Gaza unfold over the past two years. He described the situation as a catastrophic genocide, especially targeting innocent children, and highlighted that medical personnel and journalists have also become victims of violence in the region.
He pointed out that Egypt declared a ceasefire amid the carnage, and that the ceasefire agreement was accepted by the involved parties. However, Bhutto Zardari warned that the Muslim Ummah must remain vigilant, fearing that such agreements might be broken again, and cautioned against falling for deception once more.
In a related note, Bhutto Zardari reflected on the importance of documenting history, mentioning that Raza Rabbani plans to name his upcoming book after a child from Gaza, emphasizing the significance of literature in recording these tragic events. He also recalled former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s encouragement for writers to chronicle history through books, asserting that such works will play a vital role in shaping the historical record of Gaza’s suffering.
Turning to domestic achievements, Bhutto Zardari praised the Sindh provincial government, led by senior party member Qaim Ali Shah, for establishing a prominent economic zone during his tenure. He highlighted that Sindh’s industrial zones, including the Khairpur Economic Zone, are recognized among the best worldwide.
He stressed that the PPP’s competitiveness is not limited to provincial boundaries but extends to the global stage, calling for national unity to enhance Pakistan’s position internationally. He also lauded the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) for providing the largest free treatment program globally and noted the success of various public–private partnership projects.
Furthermore, Bhutto Zardari praised the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), stating it has gained international recognition and provides significant benefits to the federation. On the 2022 floods, he recalled the devastation in Sindh, where two million houses were destroyed. He commended the federal government for declaring an emergency and inviting the United Nations Secretary-General to Pakistan to assist in relief efforts.
