Bilawal declares war against Taliban at start of political career

In a fiery speech at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark sixth death anniversary of his mother Benzair Bhutto on Friday, patron-in-chief of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari declared war against Taliban militants while announcing the start of his political career.

He also indicated that his two sisters, Asifa and Bakhtawar will also participate in practical politics before next elections, scheduled to be held in 2018.

Accepting that the path he has chosen was full of dangers, Bilawal, in an obvious reference to the tombs of his mother and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said his destiny was “martyrdom and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.” Besides criticizing his political rivals specially the government’s policy of negotiating with the TTP militants, he tried to reduce prevailing despair in traditional workers and jiyalas of the PPP. On behalf of his party, he suggested very strict conditions for dialogue, if any, with proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They include surrendering arms, blood money for victims of terrorist attacks and respect for minorities among others.

With a touch of ZAB’s style and enunciation of Benazir, the PPP patron-in-chief eloquently used Urdu in his speech to the surprise of many. He used political chants and slogans along with poetry throughout the speech.

“PPP is not a party of any landlord, industrialist, player or a mullah but it’s People’s Party.” Ruling out the notion that the PPP has changed, he said traditions do not change. “People’s Party is passion….its zeal and a tradition,” he added.

Assailing ideology of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal said the complicated issue of terrorism and extremism was not going to get resolved through sit-ins and long marches.

“It’s not kids’ game of cricket which can be resolved through a magic bat,” he said in an obvious reference to Imran Khan.

“Tsunami cannot be brought by pouring water in four lotas.” He said it will take several generations to resolve the issue of terrorism from the country. “Friends of terrorists are traitors,” he chanted.

“Only by eradicating terrorism from society, Pakistan can become prosperous and peaceful,” he said, adding that People’s Party was standing in front of terrorists and blocking their way.