LONDON: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari recently delivered the Annual Benazir Bhutto Memorial Lecture at Oxford University, where he paid tribute to his late mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Benazir Bhutto’s Legacy in Leadership Bilawal Bhutto
Bilawal emphasized that Benazir Bhutto was an extraordinary woman who pioneered the idea that “democracy is the best revenge, not personal vendetta.”
He recalled that 48 years ago, Benazir made history as the first female Asian President of the Oxford Union in 1977, breaking barriers and promoting diversity in leadership. Later, she became the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation, dedicating her life to democracy, justice, and equality.
The Oxford Union hosted the lecture to celebrate Benazir Bhutto’s remarkable legacy and enduring influence on global politics.
Benazir Bhutto’s Role in Strengthening Democracy Bilawal Bhutto
Bilawal highlighted his mother’s resilience in the face of patriarchal challenges and multiple assassination attempts within her family, including her own tragic assassination in Rawalpindi.
“My mother came to Oxford at 16 and returned to Pakistan at 25 to join politics. She was an extraordinary woman who paved the way for women in leadership despite societal restrictions,” Bilawal stated.
As Pakistan’s first female Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto played a key role in empowering women by appointing them to high-ranking positions such as foreign minister, chief minister, and speaker of the National Assembly.
Bilawal Bhutto on Pakistan’s Nuclear Programme Bilawal Bhutto
Bilawal also defended Pakistan’s nuclear programme, criticizing Western double standards on nuclear weapons.
“The hypocrisy strikes me. What are the rules that make one entitled to nuclear weapons? Is it that every Western or White country is allowed nuclear weapons and others aren’t? Pakistan’s nuclear programme is not aggressive; it is purely for self-defence,” he asserted.
He also took a veiled swipe at former US President Donald Trump, saying, “We don’t have an expansionist policy to take over the Panama Canal or conquer Canada. Our nuclear weapons are solely for national security.”
Expressing concerns over US sanctions on Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, Bilawal questioned the legitimacy of such restrictions when Pakistan is fully compliant with international laws.
Democracy, Judiciary, and Press Freedom in Pakistan
Bilawal underscored the importance of democratic governance, an independent judiciary, and free journalism as essential pillars for Pakistan’s future.
“The people of Pakistan deserve a better future. They certainly do not deserve another military coup,” he stated.
During a question-and-answer session moderated by Oxford University President Israr Khan, Bilawal responded to queries about human rights and democratic challenges in Pakistan. He acknowledged that even well-established democracies face issues and defended the PPP’s stance on controversial legislation such as the 26th Amendment and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), asserting that his party had opposed these measures where necessary.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1285017-my-mother-believed-democracy-is-the-best-revenge-bilawal
