Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has raised alarm over the growing trend of extremism among the country’s youth, warning that certain elements within Pakistan are actively pushing young people towards religious, ethnic, and political extremism, Express News reported.
He made these remarks during the inauguration of the Synthetic Ground and Pink Football Tournament at Lyari International Football Stadium on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Bilawal expressed his pride in the newly built international-standard football ground in Lyari, highlighting the inclusion of women from across the province participating in the tournament. “It is an honour for us to witness women from Sindh playing football at this level,” he said.
He further reminded the audience of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who stated that a country cannot develop unless half of its population, especially women, is included in the process of progress.
Bilawal also pointed to his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, who became the country’s prime minister twice, as a testament to the potential of women in leadership roles.
“If they wish, women 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.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by women, Bilawal noted that the women of Sindh, particularly in Lyari, are showing their capabilities by participating in football. “These women, today playing football in Lyari, will represent Pakistan at international levels tomorrow,” he said confidently.
Bilawal, stated that there are forces both within the country and in neighbouring nations that continue to oppose women’s progress.
“Even today, there are individuals with regressive mindsets who seek to hold women back. The best response to them is this women’s football team. We will demonstrate that the women of Sindh will play a pivotal role in Pakistan and on the global stage,” he asserted
Bilawal stressed that with 70% of the country’s population being youth, the development of young people is key to the country’s future but also expressed concern over the increasing push towards extremism among the country’s youth.
“Everyone knows that the future of this country lies with the youth. However, there are people in this country with a mindset that seeks to push young people towards extremism, whether it be religious, ethnic, or political extremism. They want to destroy the future of our youth,” he said, adding, “I want to see my youth progressing. I want to see them playing, studying, and working.”
Discussing Lyari’s historical role in the PPP’s struggle, Bilawal credited the area’s people for their steadfast support in the party’s democratic journey. “Lyari has always been at the forefront of our democratic efforts, and President Zardari has worked hard for this city and its people,” he said.
He also mentioned the efforts of Lyari’s people, particularly in electing Karachi’s first “Jiayala Mayor,” and urged Karachi’s mayor to ensure the city’s municipal work prioritises Lyari.
Speaking about the Sindh Pink Football Championship, Bilawal praised the initiative under the Sindh Sports and Youth Department, with 320 female players from 16 teams across the province participating.
