The president of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto -Zardari, called on the federal government to hire all political parties – including those that jumped the recent national security meeting – to establish a consensus against the rising tide of terrorism.
Speaking on Monday during a ceremony to the Governor of Lahore, Bilawal urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to summon another security meeting, even if it is delayed by a month, to ensure that all political actors are included. “We hope to build a national consensus to combat terrorism,” he said.
The recent camera security meeting brought together civil and military leaders, notably Prime Minister, Coas General Asim Munnir, and CEO ISI LT Gen Asim Malik.
However, the opposition major, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), boycotted the meeting on the absence of the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala.
Bilawal stressed the need to prioritize security in Balutchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, warning that political divisions make more and more national consensus.
He urged the opposition to go beyond close political interests and to focus on public well-being, in particular in the face of terrorism and economic challenges.
Clarifying the position of PPP, Bilawal said that the party was neither a part of the government or the opposition, but remains willing to support dialogue for the greater good of the country. He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to face terrorism and said the party was ready to play a facilitation role in national dialogue.