Speaking to the media in London, Bilawal said Naqvi had the right to express his views but argued that if he believed the existing system had failed, the issue should be debated in the National Assembly.
He said parliament should examine why the system had failed and determine what reforms were needed to address its weaknesses.
“It cannot be the case that the fate of the country is decided by a handful of businessmen,” Bilawal said, stressing that questions concerning the country’s political and governance structure should be addressed by elected representatives.
Taking a direct swipe at Naqvi’s attendance in the lower house, Bilawal said the interior minister should raise his concerns in parliament rather than at business gatherings.
He added that he was willing to debate the issue with any federal minister or government representative on the floor of the National Assembly.
Bilawal said Pakistan’s political system had longstanding problems that could not be resolved through slogans. He called for an open discussion on the causes of the system’s weaknesses and possible solutions.
Asked whether Naqvi was speaking on behalf of someone else, Bilawal replied that the interior minister was expressing his own views and that he was doing the same.
Debate over new provinces
On the growing debate over creating new provinces, Bilawal said the PPP had maintained its position on the issue for a long time.
He referred to Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab and Sindh, saying the aspirations of people in different regions should be represented through their elected representatives and provincial assemblies.
However, Bilawal warned against portraying the creation of new provinces as a solution to Pakistan’s broader political and economic challenges.
He said new provinces alone could not resolve political instability, poverty, unemployment or rising inflation.
PPP remains engaged with federal government
Bilawal also rejected suggestions that the PPP was preparing to end its cooperation with the federal government.
He said discussions between PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) representatives were continuing and maintained that his party remained fully engaged with the federal government.
Turning to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal criticised the party’s decision to boycott parliamentary bodies, committees and elections.
He argued that the strategy was harmful not only to PTI and the opposition but also to parliament as an institution.
Reservations over AJK elections
Bilawal also reiterated his reservations about the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, saying he had raised concerns about the elections from the outset.
He said PPP and PML-N representatives were holding discussions to address the party’s complaints regarding the electoral process.
Bilawal responds to Austria speculation
Bilawal was also asked about his recent visit to Austria, which had sparked speculation in Pakistan, including rumours about his marriage plans.
He dismissed the speculation with a light-hearted response, saying it was amusing to be asked about rumours that had been generated independently.
Asked whether he had enjoyed his visit, Bilawal simply replied that it had been “very good”.
He also responded to PTI claims that roads had been dug up and routes blocked during Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s recent visit to Sindh.
Bilawal said he had not seen the statement and did not believe roads had been dug up. He added that he welcomed Afridi’s visit and believed political activity should be allowed to take place.
Bilawal also congratulated Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on the graduation of her youngest daughter, as both political leaders spoke separately to the media in London on Tuesday evening.
