PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday accused foreign powers, particularly the United States, of interfering in Pakistan’s politics, adding that their goal was to “strip us of our atomic power.”
His comments came amid the US State Department’s imposition of sanctions related to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program on December 18, targeting four entities that were allegedly contributing to the proliferation or delivery of such weapons. .
The day after the sanctions were imposed, Jon Finer, a senior White House official, accused the country of developing long-range ballistic missile capabilities that could eventually allow it to strike targets outside South Asia, including in the United States.
During an event organized at the Bhutto family mausoleum in Larkana’s Ghari Khuda Bux on Friday to mark the 17th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal said: “I want to tell the entire world that as long as the PPP exists, “We will not compromise our atomic power or our missile program.”
“They are looking at our gifts with malicious intent and will take advantage of any excuse to strip you of your strength.”
The PPP chairman stressed the need for political stability to counter foreign interference, stressing that key decisions must be made through consensus to achieve that goal.
“We need to unite to combat these conspiracies,” he said, adding that politics must be put aside.
In an apparent reference to incoming US special missions envoy Richard Grenell, who has been speaking to free PTI founder Imran Khan from jail, Bilawal claimed the remarks were being used as “an excuse” to attack the Pakistan’s atomic capabilities.
“Foreign nations are commenting on our domestic politics as an excuse,” Bilawal said.
Lately, Grenell has been making frequent public statements expressing his support for Imran through his X account, gaining massive traction from PTI supporters both at home and abroad.
In an interview with the American digital platform newsmax On Wednesday, Grenell sharply criticized the Biden administration’s policies toward Pakistan, particularly its handling of the country’s missile program and the imprisonment of Imran.
Bilawal continued: “They don’t care about human rights or prisoners. “Imran Khan is an excuse, his only goal is our atomic program.”
PPP Charman went on to say that Imran should clarify that his party members are “against the missile technology given to us by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.”
“Why speak up for your rights?” Bilawal posed the question before the audience.
He then accused the PTI of “raising its voice for the Zionist government of Israel and then for the Pakistanis,” adding that the PTI should be condemned for “opposing Pakistan being an atomic power.”
He alleged that Imran’s party was “creating a lobby” for governments that seek to weaken the country. The president promised that the PPP and its workers would protect the country.
About Benazir’s fight
Paying tribute to his late mother Benazir, he said her 30-year political struggle cemented her place in history.
“She became the first Muslim woman to serve as prime minister in the world,” he said.
“She was not only a leader in Pakistan but also on the international stage. “She raised her voices internationally and fought for her rights.”
The Bhutto scion also praised Benazir for bringing missile technology to Pakistan.
“We all know that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto brought us atomic technology and Benazir brought us missile technology.
“Those who martyred her were under the misconception that since she was gone, the voices of Pakistanis would be silenced forever,” Bilawal added.
“These people are willing to compromise our values, our rights and our national security. They only care about the seat of power in Islamabad.”
President Zardari then took the stage, praised the party supporters for their strength and thanked them for their prayers.
“Thanks to your strength, I am president once again,” Zardari said. “Thanks to your strength, 45 years later, we overturned Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s verdict and proved that his martyrdom was a judicial murder.”
“With your prayers we can overcome these difficult times,” he added. “There are difficulties and problems, but I will help you overcome them. You will receive your water and gas rights, regardless of which province you are in.”
