Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called on opposition parties especially PTI lawmakers to return to parliamentary committees and play an active part in the legislative process. Speaking in the National Assembly, the PPP chairman urged Leader of the Opposition Mahmood Khan Achakzai to use his position and ensure that opposition members join the electoral reforms committee.
Bilawal stressed that both the government and the opposition share responsibility for making parliament strong and functional. He said a powerful parliament makes every elected representative stronger. According to him, those who wanted to keep parliament weak have already succeeded to some extent because of the opposition’s limited participation. He reminded all parties that they must represent their people and raise public issues inside parliamentary forums instead of staying away from committee work.
The PPP leader specifically asked opposition lawmakers to submit their nominations for the electoral reforms committee to the speaker’s office. He explained that this committee offers a proper platform to discuss concerns about past elections and to prepare better rules for future polls. Bilawal made it clear that the committee will not achieve much if the opposition continues to stay away. He confirmed that the government is ready to talk and work together if opposition members come forward.
Bilawal also requested a detailed briefing for parliament on national security and the economy. He said lawmakers must know about defence agreements signed by Pakistan and the possible challenges ahead so they can discuss the government’s response properly.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai responded by calling for parliament to become the real source of power in the country. He said political parties will support any effort that strengthens the institution. Achakzai recalled his earlier demand for a committee to look into alleged corruption and urged all sides to move beyond old disputes. In a memorable line he said, “Neither are you so good, nor are we so bad. Let us sit together.”
Later the same day a senior PPP delegation including Syed Naveed Qamar and Raja Pervez Ashraf met Achakzai and delivered Bilawal’s message. PTI senators also attended the meeting. After the talks Ashraf told the media that the opposition leader welcomed the message and that the PPP continues to support democracy and free elections through parliamentary means.
