Bilawal urges national consensus to tackle rising terrorism

Lahore: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called on the government to involve all political parties, including those that missed the recent national security meeting, to address the growing incidents of terrorism in the country.

He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to organize another meeting, even if it takes a month, to build a national consensus on countering terrorism.

Bilawal was speaking at a ceremony at Governor House in Lahore.

The meeting in question was held to discuss the increasing wave of terrorism affecting Pakistan, with security forces and law enforcement agencies facing frequent attacks. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and chief ministers from all four provinces.

However, the major opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), chose not to attend, citing the absence of PTI founder Imran Khan, who is currently in Adiala jail in Rawalpindi. The meeting was convened against the backdrop of escalating terrorism in Pakistan, including a recent attack on a passenger train in Balochistan's Mushqaf area.

In his speech, Bilawal emphasized the need for special attention to the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed the importance of building a consensus on national issues, especially when facing terrorism. "We need to unite to fight terrorists, and all political stakeholders should come together for the country's benefit, not personal interests," he said.

Bilawal also acknowledged the growing division in Pakistani politics, noting that building consensus on national issues has become increasingly difficult. He warned that Pakistan is once again facing global conspiracies and called for a firm stand against them. He pointed out that the country is grappling with serious security challenges due to terrorism.

The PPP Chairman urged political parties to set aside their differences and work together for the country's well-being. He invited the opposition to move beyond "narrow-minded politics" and focus on issues that benefit the public. Bilawal assured that the PPP would play its part in finding solutions to the country’s challenges. He reaffirmed his commitment to combating terrorism, vowing to confront not only the terrorists but also those who facilitate them.

Bilawal shared with the Prime Minister that the PPP is ready to help facilitate dialogue between political parties. He stressed the importance of collective decision-making for the good of the nation. Addressing the Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub, Bilawal said that while the PPP may have many grievances, it prioritizes national issues over political disputes.

The former foreign minister clarified that the PPP is neither part of the government nor the opposition, but remains open to constructive discussions with the government to address national issues.