SUKKUR: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari distributed degrees, medals and certificates among successful graduates and meritorious students at the 11th convocation of the IBA University, Sukkur, on Tuesday.

He extended his best wishes to the graduating students, urging them to contribute to the nation’s progress through the power of education.

He praised the Sindh government’s achievements in the health and education sectors, observing that students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Punjab and even countries like Sri Lanka opted for study in the IBA University to seek quality education.

He noted that the digital space in Pakistan was now under threat, urging the youth to engage in “democratic and peaceful resistance” to secure digital rights, including high-speed internet.

The PPP chairman said: “It’s a matter of pride for me that this institution was established by my mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, during her second tenure as the prime minister. The seed planted by her has now grown into a tree, earning recognition not only nationally but also globally.”

Discussing the role of students in addressing national challenges and enhancing Pakistan’s global image, he said: “Students must utilise their knowledge for Pakistan’s development”.

“Today, we face challenges such as poverty, economic inequality, and climate change,” he said, and added, “it is the government’s duty to control various aspects of governance, but when it attempts to overstep and control individuals or institutions, it is up to the youth to resist these efforts and assert their rights.”

He reminded the audience that every generation has fought for its rights. “Democracy wasn’t handed over to us as a gift; it was achieved through struggle. Generations of youth, using their education, voices, and skills, have defeated oppressors time and again. From the colonial era till today, the youth have been on the forefront.”

Discussing the climate change issue, Bilawal warned of severe consequences if its impact was not mitigated. “Pakistan risks devastating floods and infrastructure collapse if we fail to address climate change,” he stated.

Earlier, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Arslan Islam Sheikh, Nisar Ahmad Khuhro, Syed Qaim Ali Shah and other PPP leaders received Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari upon his arrival in Sukkur.

They, along with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, attended the convocation.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2024