PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that Pakistan’s provinces will not be asked to make any additional sacrifices beyond their agreed contribution towards national defence requirements. Speaking during the National Assembly budget session, Bilawal stated that the federal government and provincial administrations had reached a consensus to share the burden of extraordinary national needs while ensuring that provincial rights remain protected.
He emphasized that the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award share allocated to provinces would remain intact and that no further financial concessions would be sought after the agreed three year arrangement. According to Bilawal, provincial governments have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to the national interest despite facing their own economic challenges.
The PPP chairman noted that both the federation and provinces are struggling with financial pressures. He stressed the importance of political unity and cooperation in overcoming the country’s economic and security challenges. Bilawal also appreciated the willingness of different political parties, including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, to support national priorities despite political differences.
Discussing Pakistan’s economy, Bilawal urged policymakers to focus on long term economic growth instead of temporary measures. He warned that the country’s dependence on borrowing remained a major concern, stating that sustainable development requires stronger economic planning, investment, and revenue generation.
Bilawal also welcomed the recent Iran US peace agreement, which was facilitated through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. He congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the country’s leadership for supporting regional peace initiatives. He expressed hope that dialogue and diplomacy would help create stability and economic progress across the region.
The PPP chairman strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing it as one of Pakistan’s most successful welfare initiatives. He criticized campaigns targeting the programme and reiterated his party’s commitment to protecting support for vulnerable families.
Addressing unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal called for dialogue and peaceful solutions. He urged all stakeholders to pursue constitutional methods to resolve disputes, emphasizing that cooperation and consensus remain essential for national stability and progress.
