Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr Gaza Peace Board comments sparked debate after he urged Pakistan to withdraw from the forum, extend support to Iran, and demand justice for victims of a recent incident outside the United States Consulate General in Karachi.
Bhutto Jr, the son of Mir Murtaza Bhutto and grandson of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, made the remarks during a press conference on Friday at his residence in Karachi.
He expressed regret over what he described as US and Israeli aggression against Iran and said he mourned the reported martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Bhutto Jr called on the government to exit the Gaza Peace Board and said Pakistan should support Iran.
He also said he stood with the families of those killed in the incident outside the US consulate in Karachi and demanded justice for the victims.
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According to Bhutto Jr, young people had staged peaceful protests following reports of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death.
Allegations over the Karachi consulate incident
Citing international media reports, Bhutto Jr alleged that protesters were fired upon directly by US Marine personnel deployed at the consulate.
He rejected claims that the protesters were terrorists and accused consulate authorities of responsibility for the violence. Bhutto Jr further claimed that after the incident, cases were registered against the victims and injured persons.
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Bhutto Jr said elected representatives appeared to be under pressure and questioned whether Pakistan was functioning as an independent state. He also claimed protests can include individuals who may be “planted” to provoke violence.
Addressing his cousin, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Bhutto Jr urged him to help ensure justice for the victims’ families.
