WASHINGTON: As Pakistan reels from one of the deadliest assaults on a place of worship in its capital in years, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari delivered a powerful message on the global stage this week that resonates deeply with the nation’s struggle against sectarian hate and violent extremism.
At the Young Leaders Reception during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, the PPP chairman spoke of a world fractured by fear, divisiveness and the misuse of religion — warnings that echo painfully close to home in Pakistan.
“Technology brought incredible opportunity but also incredible division. You scroll through your phone, you see anger, you see fear. You see people being taught to hate before they are taught how to love,” he said, lamenting how politics divides and social media polarises.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s address underscored how religion has too often been “misused as a weapon, instead of embraced as a source of healing”. His words carried particular weight as Pakistan continues to confront deep-rooted prejudice and extremist narratives that fuel such attacks.
Stresses need for faith acting as healing factor instead of creating division
“But true faith, real faith has never been about building walls between people. It has always been about building bridges,” he said, highlighting the need for inclusive discourse and interfaith harmony — a vital antidote to sectarian violence that tears at the social fabric.
The Islamabad blast, which occurred during weekly Friday prayers at an Imambargah, has reignited debate in the Pakistani diaspora about security and social cohesion, with an overwhelming majority condemning the brutality triggered by politics of division and hate.
Reflecting on his own personal journey, the PPP chairman spoke about choosing purpose over bitterness in the face of loss, a sentiment that observers say is crucial in confronting cycles of hatred and retaliation. “I had a choice … let pain turn me bitter or let faith turn me into purpose. Faith gave me strength. Faith gave me hope. And faith gave me courage to continue serving.”
His message that “every great change in history … was started by young people who step forward when the world told them to step back” resonated with a young population increasingly affected by radicalisation and societal tensions.
Published in media, February 8th, 2026
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