ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday stated that without the PPP, neither the passage of constitutional amendments nor the federal budget would be possible and that the government had so far not contacted the party regarding any new constitutional amendment.
“I and President Asif Ali Zardari remain in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not approached the PPP about any new constitutional amendment,” he said while speaking to the media after chairing a joint meeting of PPP’s parliamentary parties in the Senate and National Assembly on Thursday, which was also attended by First Lady MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.
Bilawal noted that the PPP’s role in the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments is before all. “We did not allow provinces’ rights to be reduced; instead, we expanded them. Through our amendments, Balochistan’s representation in the Senate increased,” he added.
Responding to questions, Bilawal said the people are facing severe hardships due to inflation. He emphasised that the PPP has consistently raised these issues at both federal and provincial levels. When the prime minister decided to provide relief to the public, the PPP welcomed the move. Through consultation, all the provinces agreed to support measures aimed at reducing inflation, including relief for motorcycle users. He added that the PPP has helped millions of farmers through the Benazir Kissan Card.
“Even if an Iran-US agreement is reached, difficulties would persist.” He urged the government to prepare the budget while taking economic challenges into account. He announced that the PPP’s senior committee would present its budget proposals to the government. “For this purpose, a four-member team comprising Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Sherry Rehman and Syed Naveed Qamar has been formed,” he said. Clarifying the party’s stance on national issues, the PPP chairman said the party stands with the government on every constitutional amendment and national issue.
Referring to tensions with India, he said: “During the war, I raised my voice on international media platforms in defence of the country as a patriot. After the conflict, the prime minister requested me to lead a peace committee.” He added that during Iran-US tensions, the PPP fully supported the federal government. “As Pakistanis, we unite on such matters,” he said. Regarding NAB amendments, Bilawal said the party had clearly conveyed to the government that, historically, the PPP has wanted the abolition of National Accountability Bureau. “Due to the government’s compulsions, the PPP supported the new amendments, but if the government fails to fulfill its commitments to the PPP, the party could reconsider its decisions,” he warned.
He said the prime minister and Field Marshal are making efforts for peace and to end Iran-US tensions. “We want the situation to return to normal, after which we will discuss the government’s performance and promises.” He added that Pakistan’s foreign policy is moving in the right direction and being shaped in the national interest. He noted that Pakistan and PPP share decades-old ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran. Relations with Saudi Arabia, he said, are entering a new phase and being further strengthened through defence agreements. Condemning attacks on Iran, he said that after Iran, the UAE faced the highest number of missile attacks. “We condemn these attacks as well,” he said, adding that he prays for the success of the prime minister and Field Marshal in their peace efforts.
Meanwhile, the PPP chairman constituted a parliamentary board for awarding party tickets to candidates for the upcoming general elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The Parliamentary Board comprises Faryal Talpur, Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan, Mian Abdul Waheed, Sardar Qamar Zaman, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, Chaudhry Pervaiz Ashraf and Chaudhry Riaz.
Meanwhile, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore met Bilawal at the Zardari House, where matters relating to the political situation and ongoing development initiatives in the AJK were discussed. During the meeting, the AJK PM briefed the PPP chairman on the political situation in the region, as well as progress on various public-sector development projects being undertaken by his government. Bilawal said PPP had entrusted him with the responsibility of forming the AJK government to ensure the fulfillment of commitments made to the people. He maintained that promises made to the AJK people were a “trust” that must be honoured in letter and spirit. He further directed that all public welfare commitments be completed without delay, while also initiating preparations for the upcoming electoral process.
Meanwhile, Bilawal reprimanded party leader Shazia Marri during the press briefing when she attempted to answer a journalist’s question regarding the Benazir Income Support Programme. During the media interaction, a journalist said that some ministers were demanding that the Benazir Income Support Programme be devolved to the provinces. Bilawal said that he did not know which minister had made the statement. At that point, Shazia Marri, who was seated beside him, said that Kheal Das Kohistani had made the remarks.
However, the PPP chairman immediately responded, “I did not ask you.”
Following the exchange, Shazia Marri clarified that she was only trying to explain the matter. Bilawal later responded with a loud “Thank you.”
Replying to the journalist afterward, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that everyone had the right to make demands.
