RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that due to flawed economic policies of the government the country’s debt has increased to such an alarming state that in turn it has endangered national sovereignty.

“We are an independent country but the rulers’ bad economic policies have created problems for it as increased debt from international monetary organisations is endangering national sovereignty,” he said while addressing through Hologram technology a party workers’ meeting held at Liaquat Bagh in connection with the foundation day of the PPP.

“The rulers have failed to deliver and solve the problems of the people,” Mr Bhutto-Zardari said, adding that the poor had become poorer and the rich richer as the wealth of the country had gone to a few families. He said inflation had risen with massive unemployment. “More than three million youths are added to the list of unemployed of the country every year,” the PPP leader said.

Says no prosperity without social equality, justice for all and political rights

“The country will not become prosperous without social equality, justice for all and political rights.”

He said 50 years ago all things (existing) in the country were similar to the today’s scenario and people were facing similar problems but “there is a difference between then and now because then a military dictator was running the affairs of the country and now a so-called democratic government.

“Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded the PPP 50 years ago to give voice to voiceless people and respect to suppressed segments of the society, improve living standard of people and bring about a socio-economic change (in the country),” he said.

He said Mr Bhutto gave ideology to people and brought the country to the path of development. Benazir Bhutto carried forward the legacy of Mr Bhutto. They wanted to lead the country to the heights of development. The PPP would follow their ideology and continue their policies, he added.

“Come and join us at Parade Ground on Dec 5 so that others may see that PPP workers are in the political arena despite the passage of 50 years as struggle for socio-economic change has not ended yet,” he said.

Special arrangements were made for screening the speech of the PPP chairman at the parking area of Liaquat Memorial Hall adjacent to Benazir Bhutto Memorial where party workers arrived in processions.

Published in Dawn, December 4th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...