Bilawal urges joint action on climate change, digital rights and social inequality

SUKKUR: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has highlighted climate change, digital rights, and social inequality as the most pressing challenges facing Pakistan today and stressed the need for guiding principles to be set for the digital age.

Bilawal stressed the need for collective action, saying these complex issues “cannot be resolved by any individual or group alone”.

“I advocate for a Digital Bill of Rights to ensure universal internet access, protect privacy and combat misinformation,” he said while speaking at the convocation of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) in Jamshoro. He emphasised technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.

He called on the youth to take the lead in building a brighter future for the country while advocating for the removal of barriers that hinder their progress and empowerment.

The PPP chairman extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their families. He said it is a day of celebration but also one of reflection—reflection on your roots, the values you uphold, and the future you will help create. “As graduates of Mehran University, you are inheritors of a legacy that goes beyond academic excellence.”

He highlighted Sindh’s rich historical significance and said this land is the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished thousands of years ago as pioneers of progress and sustainability. They built cities like Mohenjo-Daro with advanced drainage systems, grid-like streets, and a profound respect for nature. Their wisdom and vision still resonate today.

Encouraging graduates, he said as engineers, scientists, and leaders, they hold the power to drive transformative solutions. “From developing renewable energy technologies to designing climate-resilient cities and promoting sustainable agriculture, your efforts can address not just environmental challenges but also the issues of justice,” he added.

The PPP chief also emphasised the importance of addressing the challenges of digital era, saying while technology has unlocked vast opportunities, it has also brought challenges like data privacy, misinformation, and cybercrime.

“Just as the Indus Valley Civilisation set standards for fairness in trade and governance, we must establish guiding principles for the digital age,” he said, adding: “This is why I advocate for a Digital Bill of Rights to ensure universal internet access, protect privacy, and combat misinformation.” He further said technology must serve humanity, not the other way around.

Addressing the event, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah congratulated the students and said engineers, technologists and scientists play a leading role in national development. He said professionals should learn from difficulties of life and opportunities arise only from these challenges.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Taha Hussain Ali said the majority of alumni have come to Mehran University today, some of them are ministers, some are members of the national and provincial assemblies.

Bilawal Bhutto and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah presided over the convocation ceremony. During the inaugural ceremony of the convocation, 19 PhD, 58 Master’s and 80 students of software engineering department were awarded degrees. A total of 977 male and female students were awarded degrees during the two-day convocation.