Inauguration of Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology marks a major milestone in free, world-class pediatric care; PPP chairperson urges political responsibility for national stability and progress.
Larkana: The Sindh Government on Sunday inaugurated the ChildLife Emergency Services and the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICH) in Larkana, marking a transformative step toward strengthening child and neonatal healthcare in Pakistan. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, speaking to the media at the inauguration ceremony, underscored the importance of the politics of reconciliation, stressing that both the government and the opposition must play a responsible role to ensure political stability, economic progress, and national cohesion.
Recalling the legacy of former prime minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal said her enduring message of “truth and reconciliation” remains vital for Pakistan’s democratic journey. He emphasized that reconciliation in politics is directly linked to sustainable development and prosperity, adding that while the ruling coalition must show maturity, the opposition also bears an equal responsibility to act constructively.
Warning against the politics of extremism, the PPP chairperson said that attacks on national institutions under the pretext of accountability cases would inevitably invite a response in accordance with the law and the Constitution. Quoting the English idiom, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen,” he remarked that no party should complain if legal consequences follow unlawful actions. He added that had the PPP faced similar circumstances, the repercussions would have been far more severe.
Bilawal urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon confrontational politics, noting that a shift toward democratic engagement would not only benefit the party itself but also have a positive impact on the country’s overall political environment.
Highlighting the role of President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal said that while Benazir Bhutto laid the philosophical foundation for reconciliation, President Zardari played the most significant role in its practical implementation. He expressed confidence in the president’s track record and public trust, stating that President Zardari remains uniquely positioned to help bridge political divides.
Referring to regional and internal security challenges—particularly tensions on the borders with India and Afghanistan, and the rise in terrorism—Bilawal stressed that the opposition’s role was more critical than ever. He noted that extremist behavior would prompt a firm state response, whereas a political approach could create space for dialogue and reduce polarization.
On electoral matters, responding to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s demand for fresh elections, Bilawal said that all political parties should work collectively to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, whenever they are held. He emphasized the need for electoral reforms to restore public confidence in the Election Commission, warning that elections without trust would only deepen political instability.
Turning to governance, Bilawal called for making Parliament fully functional, urging politicians and political workers to use parliamentary forums to promote tolerance, dialogue, and democratic norms.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Larkana, Bilawal expressed gratitude to the Sindh Government and the Sindh Health Department for inaugurating SICH and ChildLife Emergency Services. He highlighted that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Sindh undertook historic reforms by upgrading institutions such as NICHD and SICH to international standards and expanding their reach across the province.
He noted that NICHD services in Karachi have expanded from one to four centers, while modern pediatric and neonatal facilities have been established in Larkana, Nawabshah, Sukkur, and Jamshoro, positioning Sindh as a national leader in child and neonatal healthcare. Under the leadership of the PPP, saving children’s lives remains a top priority, with world-class critical care provided completely free of cost, despite high operational expenses.
At a time when Pakistan faces severe economic challenges and affordability crises, Bilawal said the PPP government is easing the financial burden on citizens through effective public-private partnerships. As a result, Sindh has recorded the fastest and most significant reduction in child mortality rates in the country.
“Providing the best possible healthcare to the people is not only our duty but our responsibility,” he said, expressing confidence that these essential services would continue to expand to more districts every year, delivering lasting relief to the people of Sindh.
