Washington, February 7, 2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for greater interfaith harmony and stronger people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States at the National Prayer Breakfast, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump on February 6.
Delivering a speech at the closing ceremony, Bilawal shared his personal faith journey, particularly how loss and hardship had strengthened his beliefs. He reflected on the devastating impact of losing his grandfather, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, his uncles Shahnawaz and Mir Murtaza Bhutto, and his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who was assassinated in 2007. He noted that she had been scheduled to speak at the 2008 National Prayer Breakfast before her tragic passing.
“For many, faith is deeply connected to loss. The more we endure, the stronger our faith becomes,” he said, emphasizing that religion should unite, not divide.
Bilawal highlighted common values between Islam and Christianity, particularly the shared reverence for Jesus in both religions. He credited his late mother for teaching him about Jesus as described in the Quran and the Bible, underscoring the potential for faith to bring people together.
“Religion is often misused to divide us, but in reality, it is a force that binds humanity together,” he said, urging attendees to reject religious divisions.
Expressing gratitude for the invitation, Bilawal called the event an opportunity to foster global unity, stating, “The National Prayer Breakfast— or rather, the International Prayer Breakfast— serves as a platform to celebrate our shared faith and common values.”
During the event, President Donald Trump unveiled a new initiative to combat anti-Christian bias across the U.S., appointing Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a task force on religious discrimination and violence.
“As long as I am in the White House, we will protect Christians in our schools, military, government, workplaces, hospitals, and public spaces,” Trump declared. He also announced the formation of a Presidential Commission on Religious Liberty, to be led by Rev. Paula White, a longtime religious advisor and televangelist.
The National Prayer Breakfast, an annual Washington tradition, has been split into two separate events since 2023 due to organizational disputes. Trump attended both the main gathering at the Washington Hilton and a smaller Capitol Hill session, where he stressed the need to restore religious values in American society.
“Let’s bring religion back. Let’s bring God back into our lives,” Trump urged.
During his visit, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also held private meetings with U.S. lawmakers, clarifying that these discussions were in his personal capacity as a former foreign minister, rather than official government dialogues.
The National Prayer Breakfast served as a platform for global leaders to reflect on faith, unity, and shared values, reinforcing the importance of interfaith cooperation in an increasingly divided world.
