Bilawal champions women’s rights and minority protection, says PPP leader

Addressing a gathering of the Peoples Youth Organization and Peoples Students Federation held in connection with the Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party

LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab Deputy Information Secretary Ahsan Rizvi has said that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari remains committed to building a peaceful, progressive and democratic Pakistan, with women’s empowerment, minority rights and social justice at the core of his agenda.

Addressing a gathering of the Peoples Youth Organization and Peoples Students Federation held in connection with the Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal’s birthday, Rizvi said Bilawal believes women’s meaningful participation in national life is essential to the country’s development, and that securing their rights is a priority for the party.

Rizvi pointed to Bilawal’s support for ending child marriage. He noted that the PPP-led Sindh government passed legislation in 2013 setting the minimum legal marriage age at 18 in the province, and said Bilawal has called for the same standard nationwide.

On minority rights, Rizvi said Bilawal has repeatedly urged their protection, arguing that Pakistan’s founding principles and the sacrifices made against extremism, sectarianism and dictatorship should guide the creation of an inclusive society.

Turning to foreign policy, Rizvi said Bilawal has consistently stood with the people of Kashmir. He cited Bilawal’s remarks in Multan in September 2014 and his February 2019 meeting with the Kashmir Council in Washington, adding that the PPP chairman has pledged to raise alleged human rights violations in Kashmir at national and international forums. Rizvi also referred to Bilawal’s response in October 2022 to comments by then-US President Joe Biden on Pakistan’s nuclear status, calling it a reflection of his commitment to national sovereignty.

On counterterrorism, Rizvi said Bilawal believes democracy is the best answer to extremism, and has called for implementation of the National Action Plan alongside parliamentary oversight.

Rizvi told the young workers and students that Bilawal’s philosophy rests on democratic values, workers’ rights and public service, echoing the party’s founding principles and its “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” slogan.