ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari launched a sharp critique of the federal government on Monday, alleging that certain cabinet ministers are actively hindering Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s work rather than supporting him. Addressing the National Assembly, Bilawal called for national unity but warned that internal discord was undermining the government’s effectiveness.
PPP Chairman Calls for National Unity Amid Geopolitical Challenges
Bilawal, who said he had twice voted for PM Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledged the premier’s efforts to engage constructively with allies and the opposition. He stressed that given Pakistan’s geopolitical situation and international standing, all political parties must unite to address the country’s challenges. “This is a prerequisite for availing opportunities for the Pakistani people,” he stated. However, he added that “certain ministers make statements and give advice which makes this initiative difficult.”
Controversial Kashmir Remarks Spark Outrage
The PPP chairman specifically targeted remarks made by federal ministers regarding Kashmir, questioning the presence of a defense minister who had claimed 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?” Bilawal asked. He contrasted this with criticism of protesters’ statements, noting that those individuals held no public office. “How, then, can we justify such statements when they come from a federal minister?” he demanded.
Bilawal referenced a statement by another federal minister who claimed that “12 seats are in our pocket” regarding elections in Kashmir, arguing that such remarks provided a pretext for those seeking to create unrest. “Such remarks added fuel to the fire,” he said, the government to avoid stoking tensions.
Advice for the Government: Give Maulana Fazlur Rehman
While acknowledging that the PPP’s own short tenure may have had mistakes, Bilawal insisted that now was not the time for the government to adopt a stance that made political solutions difficult. He advised giving Maulana Fazlur Rehman space to engage with protesters, the federal government, and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government to devise a sustainable solution.
PM Must Have Authority to Control His Team
“The PM must have the mandate, to have the authority to control his team,” Bilawal asserted. He warned that if ministers continue making contradictory statements that do not align with the PM’s policy, it will only lead to more hurdles. Addressing members of the Assembly from Karachi, he claimed that their own cabinet colleagues were doing politics with them, deliberately misleading them to target the Sindh government and the PPP instead of securing their rights. “Is Karachi more important, or these seats?” he questioned, urging them to hold the PM and government accountable or leave the coalition.
Local Government Elections: A Lollipop for Karachi?
Bilawal defended the PPP’s record on local government, asserting that the system is only intact under PPP governments. He accused the PML-N of being “terrified” to hold union council elections. “The PPP is willing to take part in local government elections, be it in Islamabad or anywhere else,” he said, demanding legislation to hold local body elections in Islamabad within 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 local bodies system is only a lollipop for the honourable members of Karachi.”
He called for countrywide local body elections, including in Islamabad and Punjab, before any constitutional amendment. Bilawal also announced that the PPP aims to form the government in Gilgit Baltistan and hold local body elections there within 90 days.
