Imran merely an excuse to target Pakistan's nukes, missiles: Bilawal

LARKANA: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Friday the demand for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder chairman was just an excuse, and “their [international powers] real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme”.

He was apparently referring to the statements given recently by President-elect Donald Trump’s aide and other US lawmakers about the release of Imran Khan and imposition of recent sanctions on Pakistan’s missile programme. Bilawal said: “They wish that no Muslim country has nuclear power.”

Addressing the public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 17th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal wondered “why those who conspired against Pakistan are raising voice for PTI founder Imran Khan. We have to get united to deal with the conspiracy being hatched against us [Pakistan]. We have to think about the Pakistan and its defence while keeping aside politics.”

“They are casting an evil eye on nuclear technology gifted by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto,” he added.

Expressing annoyance over “foreign interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs, the PPP chairman said: “Statements are being issued from the US about our internal politics; these statements are just excuses.”

He said the US lawmakers had nothing to do with democracy in Pakistan, adding: “PTI founder is just an excuse, their real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme.”

He wondered as to why those who had been issuing statements against Pakistan’s nuclear programme were now raising their voices for Khan’s release. He said the PTI and its founder should condemn these statements.

“There is an impression that a certain lobby wants to bring a government [in the country] that is ready to make a deal on anything [including nuclear programme].”

Stressing the need for making consensus decisions, the PPP chairman said that PMLN-led government did not have the mandate to take unilateral decisions. He said: “We are the only political party that can proudly say that we are neither selected nor Form-47 beneficiaries.”

He said provinces had faced step-motherly treatment in every PMLN government. “We had written it in the agreement that the first priority is that we will fulfil the needs of those who were affected by the floods.” Bilawal said “today, unfortunately, it has to be said that the government has failed to implement the agreement”.

The PPP chairman said he had objection to the government policy of new canals, which was a violation of the agreement reached with the PPP. “Our efforts on all these issues will continue to protect the rights of people and find solution to Pakistan’s problems”.

“An international conspiracy is being hatched against Pakistan,” he said, adding that they could deal with nefarious designs by unity and political stability. The PPP leader urged all political forces to set aside their differences for the sake of country.

The PPP founder had made an “Islamic bomb”, Bilawal said, adding that they would not let anybody to make a “deal” on the nuclear and missile programme.

Bilawal paid rich tribute to his mother and the slain former prime minister, saying that her 30-year political struggle had become a part of history. He said Benazir had never compromised on ideology, adding that she was the representative of vulnerable segments of society. Bilawal said those who martyred Benazir Bhutto had the misconception that when Bibi Shaheed was not present, the real voice of Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir would be suppressed, and there would be only puppets in Pakistan, ready to compromise on the rights of people of Pakistan for their vested interests; they would be ready to compromise on Pakistan’s nuclear assets.

Bilawal also chaired a meeting of the PPP committee on national issues on Friday. The committee members requested the party chief for holding a meeting of PPP central executive committee (CEC) after the Kashmir Day. Bilawal accepted the request, saying date of the meeting would be announced soon. Important decisions related to national politics and public issues would be taken in the PPP CEC meeting.

Addressing the public gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, President Asif Ali Zardari remarked, “If there is any superpower, it is our faith in Allah Almighty.”

Reiterating his commitment, he vowed to steer the country out of challenging times with the strength and prayers of people. “I have faced adversities before, and my resolve remains unwavering. They cannot harm us. We will manage everything and ensure stability. Yes, there are difficulties and hardships, but this is not new for me.”

Addressing the public, President Zardari urged them not to worry, assuring that the country would soon receive good news. “Your water, gas, and rightful resources are not going anywhere. Every province, whether Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab, or Sindh, will receive its due share. There is no alternative to this decision,” he added.

Apparently, he was referring to the federal government’s project for constructing six canals on the River Indus.

Zardari said he had become president for the second time due to unwavering support from the people of Sindh. “We reversed the verdict of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto case after 43 years; now it will always remain a judicial murder,” he added.

Furthermore, he said they would have to save the country from the hands of “anti-Pakistan elements”.

Benazir’s youngest daughter Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Zardari’s sister and member of provincial assembly (MPA) Faryal Talpur, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had reached the Presidential House Naudero in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh a day ahead of the Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary.

President Zardari visited the mausoleum of Benazir Bhutto, offered Fateha and laid a wreath at the grave. He also recited the Holy Quran at the mausoleum and prayed for Benazir Bhutto and other members of the Bhutto family, buried in the ancestral graveyard.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said that Benazir Bhutto was a ‘champion of democracy’ and a staunch supporter of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in political process.

In his message on her 17th death anniversary, he said Benazir Bhutto remained an icon of courage and resilience. “A champion of democracy, and a staunch advocate of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in the political process, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains an icon of courage and resilience,” he wrote on his X timeline.

He said the charter of democracy, signed between Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, was a testament to her enduring legacy. The PM offered his deepest respect to Benazir’s family, especially President Asif Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari, and to her followers, who were proudly carrying forward her vision and advancing her ideals.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said: “Martyr Benazir Bhutto is metaphor of courage and bravery for Pakistani women.”

In her message on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, she said: “Benazir Bhutto’s martyrdom is a tragic chapter of Pakistan’s political history.” She said Benazir Bhutto proved that women could play a significant role in development of their country. Her services for democracy would be remembered forever, she added.