Bilawal Bhutto Zardari advocates for democracy, condemns political revenge

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stressed that state institutions should not be used for political vendettas. Speaking at the Oxford Union on Wednesday, he highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing challenges, including the weakening of democracy.

Bilawal noted that democracy was under pressure globally and emphasised PPP’s commitment to democratic values. He recalled the party’s role in the Charter of Democracy and its consistent efforts to uphold national politics.

Reflecting on past political developments, he pointed out that PPP had been unfairly targeted under the guise of accountability. He stated that during Asif Ali Zardari’s presidency, there were no political prisoners, but under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, his aunt was arrested. He also mentioned the arrests of Shehbaz Sharif and other political figures during PTI’s tenure.

Bilawal reiterated that the PPP does not support political victimisation and believes in dialogue to resolve differences. He criticised the treatment of political prisoners, noting that even jail menus were altered during PTI’s rule. He indirectly referenced PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who has been in detention for months, stating that demands for improved prison conditions are now being made.

He also recalled that Asif Zardari endured a long imprisonment as a political prisoner, adding that when PPP came into power, they upheld the principle that “democracy is the best revenge.”

Bilawal reaffirmed his party’s opposition to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) system, which he described as flawed.