KARACHI: Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday said people have acquitted former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto of any wrongdoing, and now it is the judiciary’s responsibility to declare the PPP founder innocent and hold accountable those involved in false conviction.
“Our judiciary now has the opportunity to deliver justice in the Bhutto [murder] case and affirm his innocence as the people have already declared him innocent by electing Benazir Bhutto as the prime minister,” he said while addressing a party convention in Gujranwala.
Bilawal emphasised the need for the court to acknowledge Bhutto’s innocence and rectify the histori-cal record by pronouncing judgment on those who falsely accused Bhutto. “This would bring confi-dence to people that even they can get justice from court,” he added.
The PPP chairman stated that the reference filed by former president Asif Ali Zardari and the courage of Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa would lead to justice for Bhutto and the people. “Once justice is served, the party will fulfil Bhutto’s mission of addressing the basic needs of food, clothing, and shel-ter for the nation,” he added.
Bilawal asserted that Bhutto’s vision also holds the solution to Pakistan’s present economic challenges. “Unlike some politicians who resort to personal attacks for votes, our strength lies in our commitment to the welfare of impoverished.”
Highlighting his political upbringing, Bilawal stated that he received no training in hatred, division, or mudslinging. Instead, he inherited a commitment from the iconic Bhutto to serve the poor, farmers, labourers, and disadvantaged regions.
Reiterating his electoral promises, the PPP chairman vowed to ensure employment for youth, recog-nise the property rights of slum dwellers, and introduce farmer and labourer cards.
Prior to his address, Bilawal spoke to the media outside the Supreme Court. He stated that the person accused of Bhutto’s “murder” was alive and present in the court today. –Agencies
