Islamabad, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, addressed the National Assembly today, commending President Asif Ali Zardari for his non-partisan approach and focus on national issues in his record seventh address to the Parliament. The chairman emphasized the need for unity and dialogue to tackle Pakistan’s critical issues of poverty, inflation, and unemployment.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman Bilawal expressed satisfaction with President Zardari’s handling of the speech, noting his emphasis on collective responsibility over personal interests. President Zardari called for both the government and opposition to rise above personal gains and engage constructively to address the economic challenges facing the nation.

In his speech, Chairman Bilawal highlighted the contributions of the PPP, particularly in Sindh, where his government has significantly improved health and education sectors. He pointed out the establishment of free-of-cost hospitals and the introduction of biometric systems to combat ghost teachers as key achievements. Furthermore, he urged other provinces to adopt Sindh’s public-private partnership models rather than privatizing education, to ensure accessibility and quality.

Chairman Bilawal also criticized the opposition’s response to President Zardari’s speech, accusing them of prioritizing personal grievances over national interests, especially on issues like Kashmir and Palestine, despite the presence of foreign delegations.

Moreover, the chairman addressed the plight of farmers, criticizing the government’s decisions which he said have exacerbated their struggles. He advocated for immediate policy actions to support agriculture, including lifting export bans and setting supportive prices for crops to ensure the farmers’ welfare and economic stability.

Chairman Bilawal’s address underscored the PPP’s ongoing commitment to democracy and rule of law, contrasting his party’s approach with what he described as the opposition’s disregard for democratic processes and their failure to address public issues effectively.