Pakistan Cannot Afford Another Martial Law, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari

In a passionate address at the Benazir Bhutto Memorial Lecture hosted by the Oxford University Union, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), made a strong case for the importance of democracy in Pakistan’s future, stressing that the country cannot afford another martial law.

Bilawal, son of the late Benazir Bhutto, conveyed that his mother’s legacy of democratic values and perseverance in the face of adversity has greatly influenced his own political philosophy. Recalling Benazir Bhutto’s mantra that “Democracy is the best revenge,” he noted that his mother’s dedication to democracy led her to challenge the status quo and fight for the rights of all Pakistanis, particularly women.

Reflecting on his mother’s contributions, Bilawal highlighted how Benazir Bhutto opened doors for women in politics, with notable achievements such as Punjab’s first female chief minister. He pointed out that her life was devoted to creating a better future for Pakistan, even as she faced numerous assassination attempts.

Bilawal also addressed key issues concerning Pakistan’s governance. He called for the supremacy of the constitution, an independent judiciary, and a free press as fundamental pillars for the country’s progress. In his speech, he harshly criticized the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws, calling them “draconian” and reaffirmed PPP’s stance against them.

On the security front, Bilawal expressed concern over the situation in Balochistan, calling it “alarming” and in need of immediate attention. He also reassured the audience that Pakistan’s nuclear assets would never be compromised under external pressures, emphasizing their importance for national defense.

Bilawal also took the opportunity to highlight the PPP government’s achievements in Sindh, particularly in the field of healthcare, which he described as a model for other provinces to follow.

As the PPP Chairman concluded his address, the audience was left with a clear message: for Pakistan to prosper, it must adhere to democratic principles and ensure the protection of human rights and the rule of law.