At Sindh University\u2019s convocation, Bilawal also addressed internet censorship, calling for a \u2018digital bill of rights\u2019
\n Karachi
\nPakistan People\u2019s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasised the urgent need for action to combat climate change and prepare for potential floods during his address at the Sindh University convocation.
\nCalling climate change the \u201cbiggest problem\u201d facing the world, Bilawal highlighted the severe risks it poses to future generations. He pointed out that Sindh had already witnessed the catastrophic impact of climate change in 2022, when the region was devastated by flash floods.
\nThe Sindh government\u2019s report revealed that the 2022 floods claimed over 678 lives, displaced 6.8 million people, and destroyed more than 1.6 million homes. In addition, 3.5 million acres of crops were ruined, and 216,683 animals perished.
\nBilawal stressed the need for immediate preparations to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future. He also criticised prolonged power outages, outdated energy generation methods, and the reliance on electricity imports, urging the country to utilise its natural resources more effectively.
\n\u201cGod has blessed us with the world\u2019s biggest coalmine,\u201d he said, referring to Sindh\u2019s Thar coalfield, one of the largest in the world. The field holds 185 billion tonnes of lignite coal, enough to generate power for over two centuries, which he believes could provide cheaper electricity and help address climate change challenges.
\nAdditionally, Bilawal also addressed the issue of internet censorship, saying it must be resolved urgently, emphasising the importance of digital freedom. \u201cOur infrastructure used to be roads, highways, and motorways,\u201d he remarked, adding, \u201cIn today\u2019s age, I believe it\u2019s our bandwidth, our fibre optic cable, our wireless internet services.\u201d
\nPPP has strongly criticised the country\u2019s internet slowdowns and restrictions, describing them as a deliberate effort to control and censor citizens, he added.
\nHe further stated that, just as in the past, attempts are being made to control and censor the people by restricting internet access, pointing out that this is an indication of the government\u2019s fear of citizens exercising their rights online.
\nBilawal also condemned the ban on student unions, describing it as another example of the state\u2019s attempt to suppress the youth. \u201cThis is proof that you are strong and they fear you because they do not want you to exercise your rights through the internet,\u201d he said.
\nThe PPP chairman urged the youth to fight for their rights and push for awareness on issues of digital freedom. He called for the creation of a \u201cdigital bill of rights,\u201d insisting that it should be written by students and youth, not by the older politicians in Islamabad.
\n\u201cIt must be written by the students and youth to make their rights known, not by old politicians in Islamabad who do not understand the internet because they do not use it,\u201d he asserted.
\nBilawal asserted that, in today\u2019s world, \u201caffordable and equitable access\u201d to high-speed internet should be considered a \u201cfundamental human right.\u201d He also highlighted the need for strict protocols to combat misinformation and ensure online safety.
\nHe encouraged students to share their ideas and suggestions for a digital bill of rights, stating, \u201cPlease, send suggestions and pointers to me.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At Sindh University\u2019s convocation, Bilawal also addressed internet censorship, calling for a \u2018digital bill of rights\u2019 Karachi Pakistan People\u2019s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasised the urgent need for action to combat climate change and prepare for potential floods during his address at the Sindh University convocation. Calling climate change the \u201cbiggest problem\u201d facing the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":451245,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-451235","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n