Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, reaffirmed his commitment to securing a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan, with a particular focus on empowering women through sports and educational opportunities. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Sindh Pink Football Tournament, organized by the Sindh Sports and Youth Department, Bilawal emphasized that youth are the true future of the nation, and it is essential to invest in their potential to ensure the country’s progress.
The event, held at the newly established international-standard football ground in Lyari, marked a significant step toward promoting sports among women and youth in Sindh. Chairman Bilawal expressed his delight in visiting the football ground, a project of the Sindh government aimed at providing world-class facilities to the youth of Karachi. “I am overjoyed to visit this football ground today. The establishment of this international-standard facility is a testament to the Sindh government’s dedication to the youth, particularly the women of this region,” he said.
He went on to quote the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who famously said, “No nation can rise to greatness unless its women are educated.” Bilawal emphasized that empowering women is crucial for the nation’s growth. He further honored the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who, through her leadership and achievements, proved that Pakistani women can excel in every field of life. “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto demonstrated that women, if given the opportunity, can rise to the highest positions of power, as she did not once but twice as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The women of Lyari, who have played an active role in our struggle for democracy, have set a shining example of resilience and leadership,” Bilawal remarked.
Highlighting the persistent challenges faced by women and youth in Pakistan, especially from regressive forces within the country and neighboring regions, Bilawal stressed the importance of supporting women’s advancement. “There are still forces in our society who seek to hold women back. The best response to these regressive forces is the women’s football team we see here today. The women of Sindh, and especially Lyari, will prove to the world that they can play a vital role not only in Pakistan’s progress but also on the global stage,” he asserted.
Bilawal envisioned a future where women athletes from various parts of Sindh, including Lyari, Ghotki, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, and Tharparkar, would represent Pakistan internationally, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of women to pursue careers in sports.
The PPP Chairman also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of youth for the country’s future. With youth comprising approximately 70% of Pakistan’s total population, he highlighted the urgent need to invest in their development through education, sports, and job opportunities. “The future of our country lies with its youth. However, certain elements within our society seek to drive our young people towards extremism—whether it be through religious, ethnic, or political ideologies. They want to destroy the future of our youth. But I believe in our youth. I want to see them progressing, whether through playing sports, pursuing education, or contributing to the workforce,” he said.
Bilawal’s remarks were particularly focused on addressing the challenges of youth in underdeveloped areas like Lyari. He praised the ongoing development projects initiated by the Sindh government in the area but also stressed that there was much more work to be done. “Lyari has always been at the forefront of Pakistan’s struggle for democracy. The people of Lyari, particularly the women, have made immense sacrifices in the fight for justice and equality. The PPP leadership, under the guidance of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, and President Asif Ali Zardari, has worked tirelessly for the welfare and development of Karachi, including Lyari. These efforts are well-known and unmatched,” Bilawal said.
He also called upon the Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, to prioritize the development of Lyari, recognizing the sacrifices made by its people in the democratic struggle. Bilawal emphasized that the Sindh government’s efforts to uplift the region should be continued and accelerated to ensure that Lyari’s youth, particularly its women, have the opportunities they deserve.
In conclusion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated his vision for a future where Pakistan’s youth, particularly its women, are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. He called for a collective effort to ensure that no element, either internal or external, can undermine the potential of Pakistan’s youth and women. Through investment in sports, education, and progressive policies, Bilawal envisions a stronger, more inclusive Pakistan that can compete on the global stage in all fields, from sports to business and beyond.
