Bilawal Says PPP Would Have Faced Severe Consequences if It Had Attacked Institutions Like PTI Did

**Karachi:** Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) attacked state institutions following the arrest of its leader, adding that had the PPP taken such a step, its fate would have been far worse.

Speaking at the inauguration of an ICU at Larkana Children’s Hospital, Bilawal said that political stability and the survival of democracy in Pakistan require responsible roles from both government and opposition parties. He warned that politics of extremism inevitably invite a harsh response and that complaints afterward are unjustified. Referring to an English saying, he remarked, “If you can’t stand the heat in the kitchen, you should step outside.”

Bilawal stated that if a leader faces even a minor NAB case and supporters respond by attacking national institutions, legal action is inevitable. He questioned the double standards by asking what would have happened if the PPP had attacked institutions after the arrest of its leadership, adding that PTI, in comparison, has faced little consequence.

The PPP chairman urged PTI to abandon extremist politics and return to constitutional and democratic norms, saying it would benefit the party, its leadership, and the country’s overall political environment. He reiterated that reconciliation is the core philosophy of the PPP and said President Asif Ali Zardari has historically played the most significant role in promoting political consensus and will continue to do so.

Bilawal also pointed to regional security challenges, including tensions on the borders with India and Afghanistan, and ongoing terrorism, warning that if PTI continues to behave like an extremist organization, the state’s response will remain firm.

On elections, he said polls would be held on time and emphasized the need for political parties to work together on electoral reforms to ensure transparency. He called on all parties, including JUI-F, to address concerns well ahead of the elections.

Highlighting Sindh’s healthcare initiatives, Bilawal said the province has provided key health facilities unmatched by other provinces. He noted that the ICU facility in Larkana offers world-class critical care and that, in collaboration with the ChildLife Foundation, pediatric healthcare services are being expanded across Sindh. He added that Sindh now has the lowest child mortality rate in the country.

Addressing the economic situation, Bilawal acknowledged the ongoing financial crisis and said ordinary citizens are struggling to meet basic expenses. He said the PPP is pursuing policies to reduce the economic burden on the public in line with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s manifesto. He added that while development claims are being made by the government, the common man remains dissatisfied with rising costs of education and healthcare.

On privatization, Bilawal reiterated PPP’s preference for public-private partnerships, citing projects like Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and the ChildLife Foundation. He noted that *The Economist* magazine ranked Sindh’s public-private partnership model sixth globally.