We can't have one kind of Pakistan for Musharraf and another for Benazir: Bilawal

Addressing Hindu supporters, Bilawal says PPP wants a Pakistan where every citizen had equal rights

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday questioned why people belonging to minority communities weren't given the chance to hold important government positions in the country.

Addressing a large gathering of supporters in the largest Hindu minority district of Umerkot, Bilawal said his party wanted a Pakistan where every citizen had equal rights.

Festivities of Colors in Umarkot 🎉🎉#HoliWithBilawalBhutto pic.twitter.com/YBWOMfYbpj

— Majid Agha (@Majid_Agha) March 24, 2016

Notables of Hindu Community sharing the colours of Holi festival with @BBhuttoZardari #HoliWithBilawalBhutto pic.twitter.com/My2E59rHyo

— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) March 24, 2016

“It cannot be that Pakistan for Muslims is different from Pakistan for the minorities. It cannot be that Pakistan for men is different from Pakistan for women,” he said.

The PPP chairman was presented with traditional Rajastani headgear and smeared with colours on his face. “Asalamalikum and Namaste,” said Bilawal after he exuberantly tossed powder in the air to kickoff celebrations.

"If a Muslim can become the president of India, then why can't a person belonging to the minority community hold an important official position in Pakistan?" the PPP chairman asked.

Bilawal vowed to fight for the rights of minorities and Hindus in particular and work towards granting them equal status in the country. “It is not possible for Muslims and minorities, rich and poor, labourers and businessmen, farmers and landlord, men and women to live with separate statuses in this country,” he said.

"I do not want one kind of Pakistan for Pervez Musharraf and a different Pakistan for Benazir Bhutto,” he added.



“We want a Pakistan that the Quaid-e-Azam envisioned; where the state will not have to do anything with the religion of individuals and where everyone will be free to go to their own places of worship.”

The PPP chairman also criticised the Punjab government's Women Protection Bill. "The law introduced in the name of women did not resolve their actual issues and the weak provincial chief minister has been compelled to make amendments to it."



He also urged the national and provincial assemblies to introduce laws similar to the ones the PPP has introduced in Sindh, such as the Hindu Marriage bill.

Bilawal announced that he is beginning his tour of South Punjab on March 26 and would address a gathering in Rahimyar Khan to honour the party's promises.