By Asim Shehzad
KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has termed the youth as the future of the nation and reaffirmed his commitment to securing their future and ensuring progress with their support. He cautioned that there are a few elements in the country with ideologies that aim to push the youth toward extremism.
According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sindh Pink Football Tournament organized by the Sindh Sports and Youth Department. He expressed his delight at the establishment of an international-standard football ground in Lyari and the presence of women football players from across Sindh. “I am overjoyed to visit this football ground in Lyari today. The Sindh government has initiated this project for the people of Karachi, and the establishment of this international-standard facility is a testament to their commitment,” he said.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari quoted Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who said that no country could progress without ensuring equality for its women. He further highlighted the contributions of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who proved that Pakistani women could excel in every field of life. “If they wish, woman can become Prime Minister, not just once but twice. In this struggle, the people of Lyari, especially the women of Lyari, played a leading role,” he remarked.
Chairman PPP said that forces within the country and neighboring nations still oppose women’s progress. “Even today, there are people with such regressive mindsets who want to hold women back. The best response to them is this women’s football team. We will prove that the women of Sindh will play a vital role in Pakistan and the world,” he asserted. He envisioned a future where women athletes from Lyari, Ghotki, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Tharparkar would represent Pakistan on the global stage.
He appreciated the Sindh government’s initiatives to invest in the development of youth.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari noted that the majority of the country’s population comprises youth, making up 70% of the total population. “It is well-known that the future of this country lies with its youth. However, certain elements in our society aim to drive them toward extremism, be it religious, ethnic, or political. They want to destroy the future of our youth,” he said. “I want to see our youth progressing. I want to see them playing, studying, and contributing to the workforce,” he added.
Speaking about the development projects in Lyari initiated by the Sindh government, the PPP Chairman acknowledged the significant progress made but emphasized that more work needs to be done. Highlighting the initiatives undertaken for Karachi, including Lyari, by PPP leadership, he pointed out the the welfare and development work carried out during the tenures of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and the first presidency of President Asif Ali Zardari are unparalleled and well-known.
Addressing Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the need to prioritize Lyari’s development, acknowledging the sacrifices and relentless struggle of its people in the fight for the restoration of democracy.
