Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari lamented on Thursday the government’s “lack of coordination” with the allied parties.
Addressing an oath-taking ceremony of the OGDCL Employees (CBA) in Islamabad, Zardari said: “There is no system in the world where any government stands against the will of the masses.” He emphasised the importance of addressing the nation’s pressing issues instead of focusing on political detentions and releases.“
"The PPP has fought alongside the working class for three generations. Workers joined hands with former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to secure their rights and supported Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in her fight against dictators,” said Bhutto-Zardari.
He noted that PPP’s policies always aimed to uphold the dignity and rights of the labour force.
The PPP chairman underscored the pivotal role of workers during democratic struggles, stating, “Labourers and the PPP collectively thwarted conspiracies during authoritarian regimes.”
He added that his party, whenever in power, prioritised the labour agenda. “Zulfikar Ali Bhutto introduced the first labour policy, established the pension system, and ensured minimum wages,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure as the country's foreign minister, Bhutto-Zardari revealed the challenges faced by officials in the Foreign Office.
“I discovered that the last increment in salaries and allowances was made in 2011. By 2023, officials were working domestically and abroad on the same outdated pay scale. I had to intervene to adjust these in line with inflation,” he remarked.
He stressed the importance of governance aligned with public will. “No democratic or authoritarian system can sustain itself without public consent. History bears witness that governments ignoring people’s aspirations eventually collapse,” he asserted.
Bhutto-Zardari highlighted the consequences of unilateral decision-making, stating, “Policies implemented without consultation often result in failure. However, decisions reached through consensus, such as the 18th Amendment, remain enduring.”
He added, “Even with full authority, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto chose to create a constitution through consensus, proving the value of collective decision-making.”
Acknowledging the limitations of his party, Bhutto-Zardari remarked, “While I cannot assure the fulfilment of all demands of the labourers, PPP will advocate for them in discussions with the government. We do not wish to obstruct the government but aim for economic progress nationwide.”
The PPP chairman concluded by urging unity and issue-based politics over divisive rhetoric. He appealed to workers and party members to prioritise national development.
“Let us focus on collective progress rather than engaging in the politics of hatred and division,” Bhutto-Zardari said.
