Bilawal urges Obama to 'show courage', apologise for Salala attack
“Pakistan deserves an apology,” he said, noting that his current week-long visit to the United states was taking place at a crucial point in relations between the two countries.
The PPP chairman also called for an end to US drone attacks inside Pakistani territory, saying they were illegal and violated international law, and also the US’ war powers act.
“The continuing unilateral US drone attacks on Pakistani soil are a constant irritant to Pakistani public opinion – both as a clear violation of our sovereignty and the toll of collateral damage to innocent victims,” he told a large gathering of PPP workers and supporters at a dinner hosted by President of PPP-USA, Shafqat Tanweer, on Monday night.
The meeting took place at Tanweer’s residence in Long Island, that Benazir Bhutto had visited several times during her trips to the United States.
Moments before the chairman’s arrival, two rival groups in the party patched up their differences and agreed to work united for the cause of the country.
Elaborating his views on the Salala attack, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, “I would like the American public to consider what their reaction would have been if American troops were killed in such an attack on their border with Mexico. I urge President Obama to show some courage. I understand he is running for re-election but if he is the same man who inspired the world with his message of hope and change, the future of Nato mission in Afghanistan should be more important than poll numbers”
Referring to other incidents that led to the present tensions, the PPP chairman said, “The unilateral action in Abbottabad made many in Pakistan question whether the United States actually considered Pakistan a military ally in our common war on terrorism and extremism.”
“The Raymond Davis fiasco made many in our country question the role and authority of CIA activities in Pakistan,” he added.
“This is truly a moment of tension and re-examination. We are at crossroads. The future of the bilateral relationship could well determine the success of moderation against extremism in South and Central Asia.”
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Bilawal, show courage and come and live in Pakistan like an ordinary chap.
@King Kong: last twenty years Nawaz and Musharruf along with their tamed judges like nasim, Qayyum, and Iftikhar could not prove Zardari guilty......That means there is agenda of our opposition agencies and court to haunt PPP leadership.
@Yousaf Hyat: Yah that's the reason Musharruf along with worlds 5th strongest Army went on his knees when he got a phone call. At least this boy has courage to stand for his nation.
@critical thinker:
On that same note, when your country apologises to the world for being a global epicentre of AIDS, for exporting the poison of Hindu fanaticism, and for breeding itself into a overpopulation crisis at the expense of the countries that have to bear its unwanted emigrants, maybe people like you will finally earn the 'izzet' to even use the word 'apology' in your lectures to others.
Hindustanis make me laugh...
...as for the post, only a few people have made the correct point - that however unpopular this self-styled Crown Prince may be, he has nonetheless done the right thing here and asked Obama to show some courage...even though it's probably asking too much of any American. Had this been a random Pakistani off the street demanding an apology for our fallen soldiers, we would have applauded the view; let's put aside this kid's murky family 'credentials' and at least show some solidarity for a just cause.
Hasan
@Xoya:
His one sister already lives in Pakistan. the other studies in Scotland and visits often while he visits quite regularly. He was in Pakistan when salala happened and visited in December, January, March and April. Unfounded accusations are not welcome.
For information of ET readers Bilawal comes to Pakistan very regularly, moves around inthe entire interior Sindh visiting people and understanding the part workings. If private media does not highlight his visits please watch PTV to follow. He was in Lahore last month and visited NawabshahH as well.
He is the chairman of PPP and his opinions certainly carry more weight than the likes of Imran Khan, Zaid hamidand Hameed Gul.
Mr. Zardari and Mr. Zardari Junior............May Almighty ALLAH forgive us for our sins.
Bilawal has no capacity to discuss such matters.
In what capacity he is doing it? He can do nothing as he is nowhere in government.
You shoot at them, they shoot back and then ...... u whine and beg for apology
Comments would have been interesting if IK had given the same statement.
@Prakash: yes that is why they running away in 2014!!!!!!
Well done Bilawal! you have shown that you are as strong and courageous like your mother was. Proud to have you as the chairman of PPP
funny, everyone in Pak is saying that America should apologize, but when bilawal says the same thing, he is supposedly an idiot... :S
What? He demands apology for the NATO attack on checkpost? What about the thousands of civilians killed by drones?
How about those thousands upon thousands of Afghan civilians killed?
This President will be apologizing forever.
I agree You spoilt child come back to Pakistan stay in Lyari & show Courage . Bring ur sisters along tooo
But, I like Imran Khan!
I am late for my comments. truth is that tail lamp was not allowed to go near the near the NATO summit. Please understand how frustrated he was? Immediately PPP Chamchas arranged meeting in one of Pakistani restaurant. After eating free food he has to say some thing. No offence to President Obama Sir.
@Cautious: Will you be equally insensitive if your Indian soldiers were killed due to a military mishap?
well done Bilawal...
show some courage and finish the UBL investigation that's taken over a year... officially determine he had safe harbor in Pak for 10 years... then apologize to the world for this. Then apologize to India for Mumbai, to Afg for Rabbani... and then maybe - just maybe... they'll be some mutual respect.
I am surprise with most of comments,People who are sarcastic about Bilwal view ,think US have perfectly right in their action. Killing of Pakistani Solider by US army doesn't need apology. Wow you guys are so much in hate ,you don't know what is right or wrong
Forget apology, your dad did not get their attention at all.
@Kulamarva Balakrishna: Lol Sage advice.
@Cautious: You sound like a real loser, dude! None of us have any doubt on your origin...
Bilawal Beta: How about first coaxing your father to apologize to the Bengalis on behalf of your deceased Nana. Not sure if you have an interest in history, Nanajaan actually had a big hand in what led to the massacre of thousand in what used to be East Pakistan.
bilawal is chairman of the largest ,national political party he speaks for Pakistan ,he has the courage and standing who else do you think should speak? hamza shebaz ? did Nawaz say this you all critics,get a life
I dont care about the news story because there is nothing to comment about it. But i am wondering the poll results till now some 24% has said Obama should not apologize. Well I feel sick with that number. I wont argue who was at the fault. However, even on a cross fire incident Obama being an ally of War on Terror should have apologised upon this grave incident. For others who are still argueing about Pakistan was at fault should NYTimes timeline on apology. Which clearly indicate that how many times US thought about apology but then they cancelled the plan due to one reason or the other.
What made Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari think that he should follow the family tradition? Does he have what it does to be a good politician? I'm sceptical of dynastic clans in politics!
Children should not speak when the elders are already deliberating the matter. Master Bilawal, it seems, already regards himself as the crown prince of Pakistan!!
@rk: All I have said it never hurts to ask, you may not get it but we can ask. I have been saying in these pages that the US would and should not pay the "high extortion" money to Pakistan or any other power. The only way to deal with a blackmailer is not to reward him. On the other hand an apology for deaths is not extortion money and the US could offer that to Pakistan. However, what Pakistan needs is cash not empty words and egos. Regards, Mirza
This is about need based relationships between countries, courage has nothing to do with this.
@Hassan Jawad: You don't deserve any apology and Bilawal has courage in looking as stupid as he does acting like it's about being courageous. It's about you being probable liars. Like always.
Papa wants him to contest in elections from KP or Panjab since the seat of Lyari have been jeoperdised by the defected Uzair baloch. otherwise there was no need of this so called courage
Bilawal who?
Balawal Barkhurdar come back. enough is enough. Your dad could not get apology from them - you also try. Pakistani Tom Thumbs think they can out smart Americans. Beggars are seeking apology - for what? Americans consider you the same way as you treat your KUMMIS, MOZARA, PULLI DE PUTAR. They will throw some change in your begging bowl and expectyou to do what they want. What is happening in Karachi right now please try to contain it within the city limits of Karachi. It will be your biggest achievement. Wish you best of luck in Karachi.
HADI SAKEY
Vienna,May 22,2012 I advise Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the head of Zardari Tribe in Pakistan, to think twice before he expands the base of ruling Pakistan from outside to the U.S. as well. London is fine as imperial mother can accept Pakistanis guiding their national politics for El O N Dee O N. Caution helps. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
What a joke!
He should have the courage to at least live among the people of Pakistan in Pakistan.
@Californian: Well said ! Hope some lessons are learnt.
There is an old Buddhist morality tale about a frog who took on a bull for being disrespectful in not giving him (the frog) full respect. The frog started sucking in more and more air to look big and threatening. Unfortunately, the bull, being busy otherwise drinking and fouling the frog's home pond, did not notice the frog until it exploded with its own presumed might based on swallowed air. I understand that the frog's act of bravado is called "panga lena" in Punjabi. Now be careful when acting bigger and more powerful than you are.
Pakistan has never shown the courage for apologise for anything.
Bilalwal has the authority to talk because Pakistan is a Nuclear Power.
This is called Royal Democracy.. A type of Middle East despotes. That would be the last day of this country to have Bilawarl as its Prime Minister or President. PPPP has gone for sure. Stay cool in the UK....
@azmat khan wake up mate it is 2012
Beta, Obama is a self made man and did not inherit fame and power like you. You cannot talk about big words like courage with your betters like Obama. Maybe you should drop your Bhutto name and see how you fare in the real world.
Who is going to apologise for killings in Karachi today? Do you have the courage Mr B B Zardari!!?? I bet not! Ordinary Pakistani don't matter to you lot!
He should URGE is DADDY to leave the PEOPLE of PAKISTAN ALONE after all the corruption and bad governance he is being doing in the country.
This shows that Bilawal Zardari, the "Crown Prince" of 'Pakistan People's Party', needs better Political Mentors.
Giving such statements he wants to become next president...
Buddy now show some courage and as Chairman write a letter to the Swiss Court. Let the courts decide whether your family is innocent or not... what do you say to that?
Bilawal urges Obama to 'show courage', apologise for Salala attack - and Obama replies "Sorry who is this ?"
How about you show courage and go live in lyari where u plan to contest your elections as per your "victim" birthright. Put your money where your mouth is.....
Like his going to pay attention to this insignificant little boy...
It is ironic that Nawaz Sharif has no elected post of any kind, yet he is on top of the national scene. He is only an unelected (in the past decade) leader of opposition with all the perks and fanfare. Bilawal is the chairman of the largest national party in power and he cannot even make a reasonable demand? What dobule standards we have in Pakistan.
Daddy failed; establishment failed; parliament failed; tv anchors and their guests failed; terrorist organisations failed. Now an upstart child will get an apology from Obama. Is he stupid or just acts like one?
@Cautious: You should be ashamed of such comments that we don't deserve any apology. Please explain this point of view to all those 24 families who lost their loved ones in Salala check post. For your kind information, Salala attack was not the first one from US/Nato side, there are four incidents of the same kind happened in the past few years but of smaller scale. Either it is Drones attacks, Raymond Davis case or Salala Checkpost attack, US has shown in all such cases that justice and rules are only meant for the weaker ones. Go with "Might is Right".
In stead of making this a public statement, Bilawal should advise his Government to try all diplomatic means. Regarding public opinion at home, it is the duty of Pakistani leaders to modulate public opinions about USA and Obama. It is not America's duty. About drone attacks, who doesn't know that it is infringing on Pakistan's sovereignty?USA also knows it. But let us try to know why USA is continuing to attack in stead of national and international noises.
These megalomaniacs !! One one hand Karachi is burning and they can't control just one city. And on the other this teenager goes and demands from president Obama that he shows some courage.
Currently it requires 'courage' on priority to make things straight at home against 'those' who are beheading the soldiers and hanging/displaying their cut heads, in public, as a symbol of victory!!
Now he will also make the headlines, damn.. i just wish that he actually knows that he has said all this... Alas, why m i even commenting, see Bilawal, what your news has done,, Insanity prevails
Well said Bilawal
Mr. Bilawal Zardari! Please show some courage and advise your dad and his clan to first apologise to Pakistanis and then leave Pakistan for good.
I urge all of you to stop urging Bilawal Sahib, the future ruler of Pakistan, to not urge the President of United States.
@azmat Khan
That future capacity is not on. Sorry.
He can ask President Obama to show "some courage" and apologize, yet he cannot ask Gilani to show "some courage" and write a letter to the Swiss courts. It has always been PPP's mantra to play on false acts of courage, wisdom, and perceived martyrdom. Bilawal should also show "some courage" and ask Zardari to find Benazir's killers.
ha ha ... as if he will listen to you. Grow up kid you are too young and naive.
I think we have other things to discuss rather than focusing on Pak Us relations. things like food, electricity, target killing, corruption, loan debts, shelter We need to fix ourselves before criticizing or pointing and please understand we all are answerable to Allah for what we have done in this world. .
Obama has shown that he has enough courage - in continuing with the war on terror, in deciding to end the Afghanistan imbroglio, in hunting down Osama bin Laden. He does not need a certificate of courage from others.
@Cautious:
— but it’s far more likely your not getting an apology because you don’t deserve one "apology is neither here nor there , its just a cover for the end game and right now pakistan is holding almost all the trumps and uncle Sam is acting like a jilted girl friend .......your only options are all out war or a humble pie.
@Saad HE IS CHAIRMAN OF PPP AND FUTURE PM OF PAKISTAN:
LOL......your dear uncle Ahmed Mukhtar has different views on drones and soverignty..........cheap popularity.
BILAWAL z asking 4 US apology b/c our GHAIRATMAND BRIGADE in Pakistani media and establishment has played with the emotions of the ppl and the govt. z on the backfoot right now.. otherwise, i think , pakistan shld also apologise 2 US 4 hiding osama bin laden. having said that, its better 4 both of the countries and the region that we mend our ties. overall, a nice speech and a good effort by the young chairman. US needs 2 know wht pakistani public z thinking as the sentiments against US runs deep and US shld b careful abt it in the future .i agree with Bilawal bhutto that both countries need 2 find a minimum common agenda so that they can work 2wards a peaceful afghanistan. lastly, pakistan sovereignity shld be respected and incidents like Salala attack shld not happen in the future. lets hope sanity prevails on both sides.
@Cautious MIGHT IS RIGHT.NOT?:
Look who is talking.......
@Yousaf Hyat: Well said! I bumped into one of them in Edinburgh a couple of years ago. They can't even understand urdu but think they have the right to rule Pakistan!
And who exactly are you to advise the US President?
Bilalwal Dude, Daddy and his team just talked to him. Its all settled...
It is not even a news. As a ordinary human being any body can say anything he likes. Yes he is ordinary.
Please have mercy on us and donot shove another Bhutto down our throat ....let him be out there where ever he is and for his own sake and safety let him stay there . Lets see if he holds a party election to elect a party head for the PPP ..democractically ...?? telling Obama what to do ....? R U NUTS..?
Wow!! Obama might get scared and actually apologize, or take such important and sage advice from beta bilawal and go on his knees!! pakistanis must be proud of this upstart!!
'' we have not come this far and at this price 2 fail ''. i am with u on this BILAWAL BHUTTO.
New love of ET Bilawal 'Bhutto' Zardari
Ahahha. You don't even have enough courage to come to Pakistan and stay at the President house. Think before you talk!
Who is he to 'urge' Obama?
There have been border incidents in the past --- but neither Mexico or the USA tried to exacerbate the problem or demand "unconditional apologies" without so much as an investigation. Your leaders determined who was at fault so quickly it was unlikely you had time to get a reasonable accounting from your own troops let alone a thorough investigation - your refusal to participate in a joint investigation was just confirmation that any "facts" might interfere with your chest thumping bravado. You can continue to delude yourselves that the only reason your not getting an unconditional apology is because of the USA elections -- but it's far more likely your not getting an apology because you don't deserve one.
Good going boy!
Mr Bilawal Zardari are you not trying to punch above your weight?
lol, under what capacity is he "urging" Obama?
Haha. Bilawal Beta. Show some courage and come back to Pakistan!