Bilawal seeks new social contract for economic and political stability

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto reflected on the journey of resilience and dedication, asserting the importance of his political upbringing.

Addressing the National Assembly, amidst sentiments of pride, he spoke of the unique privilege of entering the National Assembly as a representative of the people.
Bhutto emphasised the weight of responsibility that accompanies a seat in the National Assembly.

He observed that every individual strives to live up to the hopes invested in them by their elders, echoing the values passed down by his mother Benazir Bhutto and his grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He highlighted that when they were in the opposition benches they refrained from engaging in disrespectful exchanges, and rather pioneered the term “selected government” to describe the former leadership.

He said that the assembly is always committed to preserving democratic norms and parliamentary dignity.

The young leader recounted how he contemplated the path of peaceful protests against malfeasance, ensuring that their actions remain democratic at all times. He said that they sought to avoid providing any undue advantage to undemocratic forces.
Bilawal underlined his role in successfully pushing for a vote of no confidence against the prime minister through parliamentary procedures, emphasising it as an unprecedented event in Pakistan’s history. He stated that this was achieved through constitutional means, further cementing democratic values.

He underscored that while the government and the opposition each hold distinct responsibilities, both are essential components of a robust democracy.
“The government is tasked with governing constitutionally, while the opposition has a role in questioning and critiquing misguided policies.

As the nation is moving towards general elections, Bilawal called for political parties to strive for unity and address the concerns of the economy. He proposed a “Social Contract,” aiming to secure the consensus of all political parties and state institutions, advocating for a collaborative approach to economic governance.

Bhutto said that his party holds the belief that all political parties and state institutions must come together to agree on the social contract for economic stability and progress. This joint commitment, he stressed, is essential to address the challenges facing the country’s economy and governance.