Bilawal Bhutto condemns war on Iran, urges ceasefire and national unity amid rising global tensions

LARKANA: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, on Saturday condemned the ongoing war against Iran, calling it unlawful and warning that escalating tensions in the Middle East could trigger a wider global conflict.

Speaking at a ceremony in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the 47th death anniversary of PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal expressed deep concern over recent attacks, including a reported strike on a school in Iran that killed children, describing it as a “deeply tragic” development.

He criticised the aggression in the region, highlighting that the volatile security situation is no longer confined to Iran but is being felt globally, including in Pakistan. Emphasising that war harms civilians above all, Bilawal stressed that disputes cannot be resolved through military means.

“The consequences of this conflict extend far beyond borders. Pakistan and other nations are supporting efforts to achieve a ceasefire and restore stability,” he said.

Bilawal lauded the efforts of Pakistani authorities and international actors working toward de-escalation, adding, “We pray for all those forces, including the Pakistani government, who are striving for a ceasefire.”

Turning to Pakistan’s defence capabilities, he noted that the country’s nuclear strength — envisioned by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto — acts as a strong deterrent against external threats. “Iran, Lebanon, and Syria may be under attack, yet the Zionist forces cannot dare target Pakistan,” he said.

On domestic matters, Bilawal stressed the importance of political consensus, urging federal and provincial governments to cooperate in delivering relief to the public amid economic difficulties exacerbated by Middle East tensions. He highlighted that his party has consistently promoted national unity and would continue to play a stabilising role during challenging times.

He also outlined relief measures undertaken by the PPP-led Sindh government, particularly in response to recent fuel price hikes. A subsidy plan is being prepared for private transport operators to prevent fare increases.

Recently, Murad Ali Shah announced a Rs2,000 subsidy for registered motorcyclists for April. Additional support will be provided to registered passenger buses (Rs100,000 per vehicle per month), two-axle trucks (Rs70,000 per month), heavy trucks (Rs80,000 per month), and intra-city buses with higher fuel consumption.

Bilawal concluded by calling on all stakeholders to set aside differences and work together for the national interest, underscoring the need for unity at a time of both regional instability and domestic economic challenges.