Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed concerns over the absence of key political parties from the recent high-level security meeting, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to bring all hands on deck by reconvening the session with full participation.
Speaking to party workers at the Punjab Governor's House on Monday, Bilawal stressed the urgency of a united front against terrorism, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He lamented that while the fire was at the doorstep, opposition parties remained preoccupied with narrow agendas and political point-scoring instead of addressing the country's mounting security challenges.
He called on all political factions to set aside their differences for the sake of stability.
Addressing Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan, Bilawal urged him to prioritise national security over partisan concerns.
He said that while the opposition may have grievances regarding the country's political landscape, it should not confine its agenda to securing the release of former prime minister Imran Khan and other detained leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Avoiding direct mention of Imran's name, Bilawal referred to him as "Qaidi number whatever", stressing that national security and governance challenges must take precedence over individual political matters.
The PPP chairman pointed out that while external forces may be fuelling terrorism in Pakistan, the key to addressing this crisis lies in national consensus.
He stressed that Pakistan faced multiple crises, including poverty, unemployment and security threats, and that the public expects their elected representatives to seek solutions rather than engage in political disputes.
Criticising PTI's approach, Bilawal said that while the opposition was preoccupied with seeking relief for its leadership, the people of Pakistan were grappling with far more serious issues.
"The opposition may be focused on one matter, but the citizens of this country are struggling with terrorism, economic turmoil, and provincial instabilityparticularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. I urge the opposition leader and his party to look beyond their internal concerns and work towards addressing national security challenges," he said.
Commenting on PPP's unique political position, he clarified that the party did not hold a place in the government or the opposition, which allowed it to serve as a bridge between the two sides.
"We stand in a space where we can provide constructive input to both the government and opposition. I hope we can foster political consensus on national issues and resolve them amicably," Bilawal added.
Addressing PPP workers, he stressed that while PTI supporters may be primarily concerned with Imran's fate, PPP workers were more focused on governance and problem-solving.
"Our workers have made sacrifices to reclaim our presence in Punjab. They want the party to play an active role in improving people's lives, and that remains our top priority," he said.
Bilawal also thanked Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider for making the Governor's House accessible to PPP workers, office-bearers and the public.
He noted that while the role of the Governor's House has become more symbolic after the 18th Amendment, Haider has been making efforts to address public concerns within his capacity.
"I have directed the governor to keep the doors of the Governor's House open to everyone. The people of Punjab should know that, regardless of whether other institutions remain accessible to them, this house will always welcome them."
"I appreciate Sardar Saleem Haider for ensuring that our party's commitment to inclusivity is implemented in true letter and spirit," Bilawal said.
He reiterated that Pakistan's future depends on unity and collective effort, urging all political forces to work together for the common good rather than indulging in divisive politics.
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