Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the National Assembly session today said that certain ministers of the current government are creating obstacles for the PM’s work rather than assisting him.
Chairman Bilawal said that he has voted twice for PM Shehbaz Sharif as the PM, who has constantly sought constructive engagement with allies and the Opposition. In light of the geopolitical situation and the country’s standing, all political parties of Pakistan should unite and combat issues. This is a prerequisite for availing opportunities for the Pakistani people. However, certain ministers make statements and give advice which makes this initiative difficult.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that no one can deny that the current government and political parties have made efforts to devise a political solution for AJK. However, he questioned the presence in the federal cabinet of a minister who had stated that the people of Rawalakot were not Kashmiris. “How is it possible that we tolerate such remarks coming not only from a senior politician but also from the country’s Defence Minister?” Chairman Bilawal asked. He said that while criticism of statements made during protests in Kashmir is justified, the individuals making those remarks neither hold public office nor are they members of the Assembly. “How, then, can we justify such statements when they come from a federal minister?” he asked. Chairman Bilawal said that he respects Rana Sanaullah and is aware of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s connection to Kashmir. However, he said that, alongside Kashmir’s own political and local challenges, the remarks of certain federal ministers have exacerbated tensions. He referred to a statement by a federal minister regarding elections in Kashmir, in which the minister claimed that “12 seats are in our pocket”. Such remarks provided those seeking to create unrest in Kashmir with a pretext to do so and added fuel to the fire, Chairman PPP stated.
Chairman Bilawal said that it is not on the federal government alone, perhaps mistakes may have been made in the short PPP tenure. However, now is not the time for the government to adopt a stance that makes it difficult to pave a political path. He said that as an ally, his advice would be to give Maulana Fazlur Rehman the space, as per his proposal, to engage with the protestors, federal and AJK government to devise a sustainable solution.
The PM must have the mandate, to have the authority to control his team, Chairman Bilawal said. If ministers keep making contradictory statements, which do not align with the PM’s policy, then it will only lead to more hurdles. While addressing the members of the Assembly from Karachi, Chairman Bilawal said that they have no actual issue with the PPP, their own cabinet colleagues are doing politics with them. They are deliberately misleading you, and instead of having you get your rights from them, want you to target the Sindh government and the PPP, Chairman Bilawal said while addressing them. While they have the right to criticise, they should also do so with the PM and colleagues in the government. He said that if the PM and the government are not fulfilling their demands, then they should leave the government. “Is Karachi more important, or these seats?”, Chairman Bilawal questioned.
Chairman PPP said that as far as the local bodies system is concerned, it is only intact under the PPP’s governments. Under the PML-N government, they are terrified, and not willing to hold elections for a union council. The PPP is willing to take part in local government elections, be it in Islamabad or anywhere else. Chairman Bilawal said that they should introduce legislation to have local government elections in Islamabad in under 90 days. They should empower the mayor of Islamabad so much, that we are inspired from their economic and administrative authority. They do not do so, because the local bodies system is only a lollipop for the honourable members of Karachi. The people of Pakistan are aware that the local bodies excuse is only to make us fight amongst ourselves. Chairman Bilawal demanded for local body elections to be held countrywide before any constitutional amendment, including Islamabad and Punjab. The PPP is going to form the government in Gilgit Baltistan, and wishes to hold local body elections in 90 days there too.
Chairman Bilawal said that this is not the time to focus on one’s political differences, but unite to tackle issues we are faced with. He also called for the budget approval process to be concluded before Ashura because members would need to return to their homes to observe the day.
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