By Malik Faisal Munir
In Pakistan’s political history, 30th November is remembered as a symbol of democracy, people’s rights, and struggle. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stands as one of the country’s largest political forces, present across all four provinces as well as Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. On 30 November 1967, PPP was founded at the residence of Dr. Mubashir Hassan in Lahore under the leadership of Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. After 58 years, the party’s political relevance, public popularity, and national narrative have not only survived, they have grown stronger with time. At its core, PPP is a people-centric, democratic, and progressive party that has resisted dictatorship in every era and sacrificed thousands of workers and leaders for the protection of democratic institutions.
When Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded the party in 1967, the people of Pakistan were waiting for a leader who would be different from traditional power elites, someone who understood the voice of the masses, not just the corridors of power. Bhutto broke the norms of conventional politics and empowered youth, laborers, farmers, and common citizens for the first time. That is why the PPP took its very first breath with national-level popularity.
Bhutto’s slogan of “Roti, Kapra aur Makan” reshaped Pakistan’s political direction. He declared the people as the source of all power and introduced a political philosophy that placed the poor, the working class, farmers, and students at the center of governance. During his tenure, the 1973 unanimous Constitution was passed, the foundation of the nuclear program was laid, labor-friendly industrial reforms were introduced, and Pakistan gained a prominent position on the global diplomatic stage. This ideological beginning remains the backbone of the party’s politics.
PPP’s 58-year journey is incomplete without recalling Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. She was an icon of courage, steadfastness, and democracy, and the first female Prime Minister of the Muslim world. She fought dictatorships, endured imprisonment, faced exile, and yet never compromised on her principles. She championed women’s rights, strengthened press freedom, created opportunities for youth employment, and introduced modern technology. She also presented a strong and clear narrative against terrorism. Her role is the spine of the PPP’s legacy whether resisting dictatorship, leading the democratic movement, or presenting Pakistan’s soft and democratic image abroad. Her martyrdom in 2007 was a national tragedy but her ideals continue to inspire the party and its workers.
After the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, keeping the party united was not an easy task. But Asif Ali Zardari took charge with wisdom, patience, and remarkable political skill. His philosophy of “Democracy is the best revenge” set a new tone of political tolerance and democratic continuity. Under his leadership, the historic 18th Amendment was passed, empowering the provinces and restoring the true spirit of parliamentary democracy.
Today, as the PPP celebrates its 58th Founding Day, the spotlight is on the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, a voice of the new generation and the guardian of the party’s ideological continuity. His politics emphasizes inclusion, social justice, youth empowerment, democracy, and economic strength. Bilawal has promoted a culture of political decency and democratic engagement. He envisions Pakistan on a path of development, employment, economic justice, and constitutional supremacy.
Bilawal represents a rare combination; he carries forward the ideology of his mother and grandfather, while also introducing modern political thinking and refined leadership. His speeches reflect confidence, clarity, and conviction. Whether it is youth rights, economic reforms, foreign policy, or parliamentary debates, Bilawal Bhutto has emerged as a leader who truly represents Pakistan’s younger generation. He is well-positioned to become one of the country’s successful future Prime Ministers.
As a national, democratic, and inclusive party, PPP brings together people from all cultures and regions. On its 58th Founding Day, celebrations have begun across Pakistan and abroad on special instructions from Chairman Bilawal Bhutto.
PPP’s history is written with sacrifice workers who faced lashes, endured prisons, gave their lives, and survived exile in defense of democracy. These sacrifices make PPP the only true people’s party of Pakistan. The 58th Founding Day is not just a ceremonial event it is a renewal of commitment: Democracy must continue. The people must rule. The Constitution must prevail.
Over 58 years, PPP has seen highs and lows, but its ideology, public roots, and sacrifices remain its greatest strength. Under Bilawal Bhutto’s dynamic and refined leadership, the party is stepping into a new era, one built on youth participation, economic reforms, social justice, and democratic maturity. The message of Founding Day remains clear. Democracy. Struggle. People.This is the identity of the PPP and the roadmap for its future.