Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has warned that Pakistan’s digital space is under threat and called on the country’s youth to take part in a “democratic and peaceful resistance” to secure their digital rights, including high-speed internet access. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Sukkur IBA University, he stressed the importance of standing up for these rights in the face of governmental overreach.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, proudly recalling that the university was founded by his mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, during her second tenure as Prime Minister, said, “It is a matter of pride for me that this institution was established by my mother. The seed planted by her has now grown into a tree, earning recognition not only nationally but also globally.”
He added that students from across Pakistan, and even from countries like Sri Lanka, are benefiting from the education provided by Sukkur IBA University. The PPP Chairman highlighted the vital role that students must play in addressing the nation’s challenges. “Students must utilize their knowledge for Pakistan’s development.
Today, we face challenges such as poverty, economic inequality, and climate change,” he said. He emphasized that while the government holds the responsibility of governance, it is the youth’s duty to resist any encroachments on their rights.
“When the government oversteps and tries to control individuals or institutions, it is up to the youth to resist these efforts,” he stated. Recalling the struggles of past generations, Bilawal reminded the audience that democracy was not a gift, but a right won through struggle. “Generations of youth, using their education, voices, and skills, have defeated oppressors time and again,” he added, drawing attention to the role of the youth throughout history, from the colonial era to the present.
One of the key issues Bilawal addressed was the state of the digital space in Pakistan. He called on young people to engage in peaceful struggles for their digital rights, criticizing the outdated views of decision-makers in Islamabad. “How can bureaucrats in their 60s, who still use old Nokia phones, comprehend the rights of the digital generation?” he asked, pointing out the generational divide. He also referenced the achievements of young Pakistanis, highlighting those two young individuals from Lahore had pioneered the world’s first computer virus, underscoring the country’s potential in the digital age. In a passionate appeal, Bilawal stressed the need for better internet access and stronger data privacy protections for the younger generation. He announced plans to visit educational institutions nationwide, including those in Sindh, to gather feedback from students on proposed digital rights legislation. “Tag me on social media and share your suggestions,” he urged, promising to champion the cause. Bilawal also took the opportunity to address the urgent issue of climate change. He warned that without action, Pakistan could face devastating floods and infrastructure collapse.
“Pakistan risks devastating floods and infrastructure collapse if we fail to address climate change,” he stated, while also criticizing bureaucrats and senior politicians for their lack of understanding of these critical issues. He lamented the lack of climate change planning in the federal budget and called on developed nations to take responsibility for the global climate crisis. “The industrialization and capitalism of these countries have caused the climate crisis,” he remarked.
“While they amassed wealth, they ignored the damage inflicted on the rest of the world.”
Bilawal further stated, “We’re not asking for personal compensation but for funds to repair the damage they have caused,” urging industrialized countries to help address the consequences of their past actions. Concluding his address, Bilawal extended his best wishes to the graduating students and encouraged them to use their education for the betterment of the country.
He also praised the Sindh government’s progress in health and education, noting how students from across Pakistan, as well as Sri Lanka, are drawn to Sindh for quality education at institutions like IBA Sukkur. During the ceremony, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, alongside Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, distributed medals and certificates to the graduating students, celebrating their academic achievements.
