ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday expressed hope for peace in the region, saying he prays for the Government of Pakistan and all efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 47th death anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at Garhi Khuda Baksh, Bilawal warned that the economic risks arising from the conflict are unprecedented for ordinary citizens.
He said that while the public understands Pakistan is not responsible for the war, people are concerned about relief measures being taken by federal and provincial governments despite their fiscal constraints. The PPP is ready to support any initiative, including a mini-budget, aimed at providing relief to the common man, he said.
Bilawal noted that coordinated efforts are underway, with all provinces working together to mitigate the impact. Referring to a federal delegation’s briefing in Larkana during Eid, he said the government had been providing a blanket subsidy on petroleum since the onset of the conflict but sustaining it beyond March was not feasible.
He added that provincial governments are now preparing to rationalise their budgets to share the burden and extend relief, stressing that the federal government cannot continue blanket subsidies indefinitely.
Paying tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, he said the former prime minister’s contributions, particularly the country’s nuclear programme, continue to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty. He added that the absence of such visionary leadership is being felt both nationally and globally.
Bilawal said that in view of the prevailing regional tensions, including violence in neighbouring Iran, the party refrained from holding a large public gathering this year as a mark of respect and mourning. Reaffirming the PPP’s stance, he said the party has always opposed war and supported peace, strongly condemning what he termed an unlawful conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He warned that the global fallout of the conflict is driving inflation and unemployment, placing an increasing burden on the poor.
Despite the challenges, Bilawal expressed confidence that the nation would overcome the crisis through unity and resilience, adding that the PPP would continue to play its role in promoting national cohesion.
Bilawal said the nation remains indebted to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for laying the foundation of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, which made the country’s defence inviolable and ensured that no adversary can dare threaten it today.
He observed that Bhutto paid the ultimate price for this achievement. “He laid down his life, but empowered the Muslim Ummah with the nuclear programme,” he said.
Bilawal remarked that the present divisions within the Muslim world reflect the absence of a statesman of Bhutto’s stature, under whose leadership the Islamic world once stood united in Lahore. He added that Bhutto was regarded not only as Pakistan’s leader but as a voice of the entire Muslim Ummah.
Bilawal announced that the Sindh government would support small farmers through the Benazir Hari Card, recognising agriculture as the backbone of the economy. He further said that, in view of rising fuel prices, petrol subsidies would also be provided to motorcycle owners across the province, urging small landholders owning less than 25 acres and motorcyclists to register for these initiatives.
He added that the Sindh government would support both public and private transport to curb fare increases, with the chief minister set to engage transporters to devise a practical roadmap.
Highlighting social protection measures, Bilawal said the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) remains a vital national institution providing financial assistance to underprivileged women. He expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari for initiating the programme, calling it a reflection of Bhutto’s vision of “Roti, Kapra aur Makaan.”
While acknowledging fiscal constraints, he said the PPP would support any initiative, including a mini budget, aimed at providing relief to the common man. He also appreciated ongoing consultations between federal and provincial governments, including the participation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister in key meetings.
Later, Bilawal visited the mausoleum of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto and other martyrs, laid wreaths, and offered Fateha.
