By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: November 14: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s policies and governance style, stating that neither respect nor genuine politics are being observed at the federal level. He added that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) is violating its agreement with the PPP.
According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP visited the media cell today, where he toured various departments, including the monitoring room and news section. Surendar Valasai, in charge of the media cell, provided a detailed briefing to the Chairman.
During the visit, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held an informal discussion with journalists, addressing questions about President Asif Ali Zardari’s health, the killing of Chinese citizens, U.S. elections, internet issue, PPP’s grievances with the federal government, the construction of new canals on the Indus River, and the need for equal representation in constitutional benches.
When asked about President Asif Ali Zardari’s health, he replied that, fortunately, President Zardari is improving, although he suffered four fractures in his leg and needs a few weeks of rest.
Commenting on the terrorist attacks on Chinese citizens, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that he believes in the principle of “killing one is killing all humanity.” He emphasized that Chinese citizens who fell victim to terrorism had come to Pakistan to create employment opportunities and benefit the nation, condemning their targeting.
He urged the government to work globally with its international partners to expose these networks and called for an internal “National Action Plan 2.0” to address this issue. He emphasized that the government must fulfill its responsibilities, working together with everyone to eliminate the threats from Balochistan to the tribal areas.
Regarding the U.S. elections, the PPP Chairman explained that just as Pakistan does not interfere in U.S. domestic politics, the U.S. also refrains from intervening in Pakistan’s internal matters. He noted that while personal relationships can be beneficial in diplomacy, they do not play a decisive role in state-to-state relationships. Rather, he stressed that factors such as ground realities, geopolitics, and domestic agendas shape diplomatic relations.
He shared that he has an acquaintance with the U.S. President-elect’s son-in-law and daughter, recalling that when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto visited the U.S. during her first term as Prime Minister, President Trump hosted a reception in her and President Zardari’s honor.
Commenting on Pak-U.S. relations, he said the ties between the two countries are currently not as good as they could be. He recalled that even when he was Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, relations with the U.S. were strained, but now they are far worse. He asserted that it is in the interest of the Pakistani people to improve relations with the U.S.
When asked about the slow internet speeds in the country, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that decisions on internet policy are being made by people who do not even use it. He said that there was no consultation with PPP on this issue, nor was any input sought.
He highlighted the importance of agriculture and technology in Pakistan’s economy, stressing that government policies are negatively impacting both sectors. He underscored that fast internet is essential in modern infrastructure, noting that while Pakistan claims to have 4G, the current speed is so slow that it resembles the internet speed from his childhood.
In response to questions about PPP’s grievances with the federal government, Chairman Bilawal Bhuto Zardari said that it’s not a question of mere discontent; true politics is based on respect. He said that the government coalition must adhere to their agreements.
He emphasized that PPP is supporting the federal government as a moral ally and that they expect the agreed terms to be upheld.
On the issue of new canal construction from the Indus River, he said this step is another example of the PML-N’s breach of agreement with PPP.
He recalled that while he was working on the 26th amendment, the canal project was approved behind his back, despite strong objections from PPP members.
He pointed out that there is no national consensus on this project.
Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized the federal government for failing to implement the promised equality during constitutional amendments.
He said he withdrew from the Judicial Commission in protest, stating that if he had stayed, he would have addressed the disparities in the constitutional bench.
He emphasized that if there were judges from rural Sindh on the Supreme Court, he would advocate for equality, as the highest judicial institution requires fair representation.
He asserted that a country cannot operate under two separate systems, as different treatment for Sindh is repeatedly apparent.
He urged that the Chief Justice, as head of the constitutional bench, should remain impartial to ensure justice and unity.
