Bilawal says PTI hurting itself by not abandoning its 'extremist politics', urges party to change its strategy

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its "extremist politics," stating that it was harming the party itself. In an interview in Karachi, he urged the party to reconsider its strategy, noting that it had failed to fulfill its responsibilities and was stuck on a path of hate. Bilawal warned that if the PTI persisted with this approach, it would not remain in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The PTI had proceeded with a march to demand the release of its founder and former prime minister, Imran Khan, despite government warnings. Bilawal argued that the federal government and the entire system had prepared to impose an emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He mentioned that a week earlier, his party, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), had consistently advocated for emergency rule only as a legal last resort.

Bilawal also referenced ongoing talks between the government and opposition, noting that while all parties had reached an agreement, one provincial chief minister had chosen "negative politics" instead. He called on the PTI to play its role in politics and suggested that abandoning its current ways would help change the political atmosphere in Karachi.

Bilawal pointed out that the PTI had not participated in parliamentary proceedings and criticized the PML-N for agreeing to form a parliamentary committee on electoral reforms, yet excluding opposition members. He urged the PTI to abandon its "extremist politics" to pave the way for dialogue and address its concerns. Bilawal referenced Pakistan's history, stating that if someone is in jail today, it doesn't mean they remain there forever.

He emphasized that if the PTI continues with its extremist politics, Imran Khan could break the record for the longest jail time held by his father, President Asif Ali Zardari. Bilawal concluded by highlighting the country's worsening situation, citing increasing poverty and unemployment, and called for political stability to create conditions for public relief.