LONDON: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has challenged Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to bring his criticism of Pakistan’s political and governance system to parliament, arguing that major national issues should not be decided at business forums.
Speaking to the media in London, Bilawal said Naqvi had the right to express his views. However, if the interior minister believed that the country’s system had “collapsed,” then the matter should be debated in the National Assembly to determine what had gone wrong and how the problems could be addressed.
“It cannot be the case that the fate of the country is decided by a handful of businessmen,” Bilawal said, stressing that questions concerning the country’s governance and political system should be discussed by elected representatives.
Bilawal Tells Naqvi to Come to Parliament
Bilawal also criticised Naqvi for his limited attendance in the National Assembly, saying the interior minister should bring his concerns to parliament instead of discussing them primarily at business gatherings.
“Mr Mohsin Naqvi does not come to the National Assembly very often, so instead of business forums, he should come to parliament,” Bilawal said.
He added that he was personally willing to debate the issue with any federal minister or government representative on the floor of the National Assembly.
According to Bilawal, Pakistan’s political system has long faced problems, weaknesses and shortcomings. These issues, he said, cannot be resolved merely through slogans and require an open discussion about their causes and possible solutions.
Asked whether Naqvi was speaking on behalf of someone else, Bilawal replied that the interior minister was speaking for himself, while he was also expressing his own position.
New Provinces Not a Solution to Every Crisis
Addressing the ongoing debate over the creation of new provinces, Bilawal said the PPP had maintained a consistent position on the issue for a considerable period.
He referred to Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Sindh, saying the wishes of people in different regions should be reflected through their elected representatives and provincial assemblies.
However, Bilawal cautioned against portraying the creation of new provinces as a solution to all of Pakistan’s political and economic problems.
“You cannot simply say that by creating new provinces, you will solve the problems of political instability, poverty, unemployment, and the tsunami of inflation,” he said.
Bilawal, Zardari reject any move to divide Sindh after London meeting
PPP Still Engaged With Federal Government
Bilawal also rejected speculation that the PPP was preparing to end its cooperation with the federal government.
He said discussions between PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) representatives were continuing and that the party remained engaged with the federal government.
“At present, we are fully engaged with the federal government,” Bilawal said.
He also criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its decision to boycott parliamentary bodies, committees and elections.
Bilawal argued that the strategy was harmful not only to PTI and the wider opposition but also to parliament as an institution.
“I believe PTI’s decision to boycott all bodies, all committees, and elections is not only wrong for PTI and wrong for the opposition, but it is also not good for parliament as an institution,” he said.
Bilawal Maintains Reservations Over AJK Elections
The PPP chairman also reiterated his reservations about the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying he had raised concerns about the elections from the outset.
He said discussions were currently taking place between PPP and PML-N representatives to address the party’s complaints.
Bilawal also stressed that political participation and parliamentary engagement remained important for strengthening democratic institutions.
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Austria Visit Sparks Questions
Responding to questions about his recent visit to Austria, Bilawal appeared amused by the speculation that followed his trip, including reports and rumours concerning his possible marriage plans.
“If you create the speculation yourself and then ask me about it afterward, that is quite amusing,” he said.
Asked whether he had enjoyed his visit to Austria, Bilawal gave a brief response: “It was very good.”
Bilawal Questions Claims Over KP Chief Minister’s Sindh Visit
Bilawal also commented on PTI claims that roads had been dug up and routes blocked during Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Sindh.
He questioned the claim, saying he had not seen the relevant statement.
“I don’t think any roads were dug up. I haven’t seen the statement. I certainly welcomed him. I believe political activity should take place,” Bilawal said.
Bilawal also congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on the graduation of her youngest daughter. Both political leaders spoke separately to the media in London on Tuesday evening.
