PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to abandon what he described as “extremist politics” and return to democratic traditions, saying such a shift was essential for the party’s own future, its leadership, its workers, and the overall political climate of the country. While speaking at the inauguration of an ICU at Larkana Children’s Hospital, Bilawal criticised PTI for its reaction following the arrest of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan, accusing the party of attacking state institutions. He questioned what consequences PPP would have faced if it had behaved in the same manner.

Bilawal stressed that Pakistan’s political stability and the continuation of democracy required responsible behaviour from both the government and the opposition. He warned that those who choose extreme political methods should expect firm consequences, and said that any attack on national institutions would invite legal action, even if triggered by minor cases against political leaders.

He highlighted PPP’s long-standing policy of reconciliation, noting that President Asif Ali Zardari had historically worked to promote political unity and would continue to do so during the current political tensions. He cautioned that if PTI continued to act in an extremist manner, the state’s response would be equally strict. Bilawal also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for sending a delegation to attend the anniversary of Benazir Bhutto, clarifying that no political negotiations took place, and reiterated that political conflicts should be settled through dialogue in the public interest.

On the issue of elections, he reaffirmed that polls would be held on schedule and urged all parties, including JUI, to concentrate on electoral reforms and resolving concerns to ensure transparency. Discussing healthcare in Sindh, Bilawal pointed to the establishment of major medical facilities, including advanced paediatric ICUs in Larkana and across Karachi, and said the province now recorded the lowest child mortality rate in the country due to expanded services with the ChildLife Foundation. Addressing the country’s economic difficulties, he acknowledged the struggles of salaried citizens and criticised claims of development, stating that PPP aimed to introduce policies to ease financial pressure while continuing the vision of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.