Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the budget session at the National Assembly said that the agreement between US and Iran is a new ray of hope for the region and the entire world. It is proof of dialogue being better than war, and diplomacy being more powerful than confrontation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal extended felicitations to PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari for always standing for peace. He paid tribute to Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and the Armed Forces for bringing pride to Pakistan through their leadership and defense of our country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan knows the cost of war well. We have sacrificed our loved ones, combated terrorism and suffered through the economic consequences of uncertainty and instability. This is why Pakistan always raises the flag of peace because it is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity. When peace prevails, trade increases, so does investment and employment. Countries do not attain greatness through might of weapons alone, but by giving hope and opportunity to the people, and support to the poor. Pakistan would too need to take a step towards progress, as the whole world is taking one towards peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reality is that our region is not entirely peaceful even now, despite peace efforts between Iran and the US. Elements that want to harm the peace process exist. We are still facing security challenges on our Western border, the one we share with Afghanistan. On the eastern side, we are being threatened with an \u201cOperation Sindoor 2\u201d by India. One-sided efforts are being made for the Indus Water Treaty to become controversial. Foreign elements are supporting terrorism and trying to harm Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During such situations, nations are tested. It gives me immense pride to say that Pakistan has handled this situation by displaying political consensus and democratic values. The federal and provincial governments have decided to shoulder the burden of extraordinary necessities owed to defense and national security. This decision has not been taken through any unconstitutional means, but is within the scope of the Constitution. This has been done in accordance with Article 164 through grants. Pakistan\u2019s Constitution gives the federation and provinces the right to use grants in order to address needs that arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that friends in the media, prior to the budget, were speculating that the 18th Amendment would be abolished or that the rights of the provinces would be snatched, or perhaps the BISP would be discontinued. However, we are thankful to PM Sharif, DPM and FM Ishaq Dar, the Finance Minister and the entire team of the PM. We were engaged with the government to present a constitutional and democratic solution to fulfill the national security needs, as well as those of the provinces. We have decided that Sindh along with the rest of the provinces will also contribute to this. The federal government has pledged to keep the NFC Award intact for the provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that the real strength of countries lies in their constitution and political unity. Pakistan has once again proved that it can uphold these values in today\u2019s world. If we address the remaining issues in this manner, we can overcome any obstacle. Given this, he said that he would like to point out a recent precedent in Pakistan. There is an impression that provinces have more fiscal space than the federation after the 18th Amendment. Provincial governments too face economic constraints, from KP to Sindh. Despite the 18th Amendment and the NFC Award, no province has been given its due share. Time and time again, provincial governments have given sacrifices. During the 2008-2013 PPP government, in order to combat floods, we introduced a petroleum levy with the intent to aid flood victims. It is 2026 today, and that petroleum levy is being collected today along with several others, and provinces are not getting their share.This levy was a violation of the 18th Amendment and NFC Award. Every provincial government is told to show a surplus, which means that the amount is not spent on the people. The province of Punjab has made the greatest contribution and sacrifice in this regard. Last year, it showed a surplus of 700 billion rupees, and 900 billion rupees this year. That money can be spent on the people of Multan, DG Khan and Gujjar Khan. However, due to the IMF programme\u2019s obligations, the provinces and their inhabitants are giving this sacrifice. The province of Sindh has shown a surplus of 400 billion rupees, which could have been spent on Lyaari, Korangi, Larkana and Nawabshah. Similarly, the KP province has its own challenges, it too has to show a surplus while it is not taken into account that tribal areas have recently been integrated with it. The federal and provincial governments have failed to deliver on their promises to the tribal chiefs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that the Israel-India nexus intends to inflict harm upon us, through terrorism and our issues with Afghanistan. In light of this, all provinces have agreed to contribute. Not only the government and its allies, but the KP province which is being run by the Opposition has also decided to put political differences aside to take part in this effort. Chairman Bilawal welcomed this decision of the PTI, and said that if the Opposition continues to prioritise national interest, then there is no problem we cannot tackle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal proposed that the federal and provincial governments have to work together to introduce a long-term and sustainable plan for growth-oriented economic policies after this budget is passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that it is unfortunate and shameful how the BISP has been targeted. He said that the first argument in its favour is that the world acknowledges the BISP, from reports of the World Bank to the IMF. If poverty is to be tackled, then the programme needs to be expanded, not the contrary. Chairman Bilawal especially lauded the PM for expanding the BISP despite the discourse against it. Millions of households have been supported through it, provided education to children and healthcare to new mothers and infants, and also joined relief efforts from floods to COVID. It has proved to be the most effective method, and not only is it humane but also Islamic. When the BISP helps mothers feed, clothe and send their children to school, it is not only an initiative, but also a moral and religious duty. The BISP is also good economics, since progress is not trickled down, but begins from the downtrodden. The poor do not put money into banks, but rotate it in the economy and support small businesses. The BISP also provides supports to national security, at a time when there is insurgency, religious extremism and separatism that is foreign-backed. Every army in the world knows that any insurgency is not battled by weapons alone, but the hearts and minds of the people need to be won. A country which wins the hearts of its people cannot be defeated, Chairman Bilawal said. The PPP will always defend the BISP, he resolved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that the agricultural economy of the country does not prosper when big landowners do, but when the small farmers do. Similarly, the economy does not progress when the mill owners do, but when the labourers get their due share. The progress of Pakistan is not the rich getting richer, and the poor getting poorer, but when the young people are given employment opportunities. When the government decides that the fruits of progress are to be given to the people of Pakistan and the downtrodden first, then the country will prosper. Chairman Bilawal recalled talking to a counterpart when he was the FM, and detailing the potential of the CPEC and the roads that are being constructed as well as the Orange Line train. He was asked by the foreign FM about the route change in CPEC, and the western route being built first, where already developed areas were to be benefited. He said that if the eastern route was prioritised, then areas in KP and Balochistan which had been impacted by terrorism would be benefited, and more economy opportunities would be created. He further said that to build a train, the loan must have been substantial, and instead, if that money had been allocated to build Gwadar further, every city of Pakistan would have its own Orange Train, and not on a loan. The objective of retelling this story is to introduce growth-oriented projects so that the country is not run on loans but experience true progress, which is not limited to specific areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal expressed his gratitude to the people of Gilgit Baltistan for reposing trust in the PPP, and giving it a clear lead with 11 seats, with our representative being elected from every division. He said that they have shown him and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari that the people are still standing with the party of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. They are the most patriotic people in all of Pakistan, and are the nation that fought and freed them themselves to become a part of Pakistan. Chairman Bilawal asked what we did for them in return. We gave them the system of the FCR instead, which was abolished by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This laid the foundation for the relationship between the PPP and the people of GB. Then, they were left without any support again, until Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto gave them political rights. Then, President Zardari gave them an identity, and a governor and CM during the PPP\u2019s era. Chairman Bilawal said that he has promised governing, ownership and employment rights to the people of GB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has shared historic ties with Kashmir. Having served as the youngest FM, he asked how long the people of Kashmir would remain deprived of the right to join us in this House. He said that their representatives should be permitted to sit in this House on an interim basis and present their views. Until a plebiscite takes place, it is my request to this House, and the institutions to heed this demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman PPP said that certain developments in Kashmir have sparked concern. It is no secret that a day prior to the Iran-Israel war, Netanyahu had hosted the same Modi who is adamant on there being an Operation Sindoor 2. Every Pakistani is aware of the challenges we face in Balochistan, and that an Indian agent, Kulbhushan Jadhav was caught from there too. Moreover, certain separatist elements had even welcomed the Israeli attack on Iran. When the Israeli IDF is exhausted from killing children and carrying out a genocide, they go to IOJK to spend their vacations and do high altitude trainings. Now, even when the war is over, this nexus will continue to target us. We have to collectively ensure that the enemies are not to take advantage of our fault lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regarding the situation in Azad Kashmir, Chairman Bilawal said that those that equip themselves with weapons against the state and people, they have to face the consequences before the law. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is not only hurting our reputation, but the Kashmir cause. Our demand to them is to disperse, since we will not let them harm the cause or Pakistan. Chairman PPP said that his only mandate to the government in Azad Kashmir was to implement the agreement and then head towards elections. Eighty percent of the agreement was implemented on, what is remaining are long-term points, funding needs to be discussed with the federation, and we need to build consensus with other parties as well. He said that the manner in which the protest is being carried out is raising problems for the Kashmiri people, and they cannot access basic facilities. The protestors should themselves hand over those individuals that have taken law into their own hands to the AJK police. He said that the organisation has not ever contested any election.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that no other province would accept their legislative numbers being determined from elsewhere. This becomes a question mark. Our stance is that the decisions of Kashmir will be made by the people of Kashmir themselves. Now, this is a complication, however, no one\u2019s property or life should be threatened for this. This can be addressed with a debate, but not by force and guns. We strived three decades to restore the 1973 Constitution. This is not how changes are made. We need to convince the Muslim Conference and the Muslim League on the appropriate consensus. Our party\u2019s stance is that we cannot compromise on the representation and votes of muhajireen. Our objective is to resolve their legitimate grievances without compromising on the votes of the muhajireen. Only Kashmiris will make decisions for Kashmir, Chairman Bilawal said. PPP\u2019s suggestion is that the muhajireen seats should be decided per the elections in Kashmiri areas, and allotted like a ratio, to ensure the representation of muhajireen, as is done for reserved seats. It should also be ensured that muhajireen are given the right to vote. Chairman Bilawal said that he does not appeal but insists the protestors to protect the Kashmir cause, and conduct themselves in a political manner. He said that a few weeks ago, Mehbooba Mufti in her speech said that there is freedom and peace in AJK but not in Occupied Kashmir. Those protesting would have to disperse, and sit with political parties to devise a solution. This challenge requires us to break from the mould and the status quo. Those participating in the upcoming elections in Kashmir would have to decide whether they want to take part in traditional politics or strive for their rights. As a mature political party, we want to give a new manifesto the people of Kashmir, and the PPP will take part in these elections, as we did in GB elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chairman Bilawal said that the Kashmiri people are given the right to speak up, then the choice they make will be even clear. Despite Modi\u2019s efforts from Balochistan to Kashmir, this House is willing to combat all efforts and conspiracies. Modi says that he does not accept the Indus Water Treaty, but the entire Pakistan is ready to fight for it because it is our survival. We appreciate what DPM FM Dar and his team is doing on an international level. Internally, Pakistan needs to ensure that its ongoing projects are completed. Outside of the Indus Water Treaty, Pakistan needs solutions to address water issues. The agricultural loss of Balochistan and Sindh is not theirs alone, but of Pakistan. Pakistan should take no such step that gives the impression that we are accepting defeat or giving up on the Indus Water Treaty. President Zardari\u2019s pipeline project with Iran is a hot topic these days, but another one of his projects is Pakistan getting water through Central Asian republics. A 3 million dollar feasibility study has also been done in this regard, and if we follow these recommendations, we can address and resolve all issues as we stand at a crossroads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing the budget session at the National Assembly said that the agreement between US and Iran is a new ray of hope for the region and the entire world. It is proof of dialogue being better than war, and diplomacy being more powerful than confrontation. Chairman Bilawal extended […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":78811,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[242],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-78810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-highlights"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n