By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing representatives from the media in his chamber at the National Assembly said that today’s session was a condolence meeting in memory of late Nawab Yousuf Talpur. He was an asset not only for the PPP, but the entire country. Chairman Bilawal thanked the political parties in attendance for paying tribute to the late PPP leader.
Read also: Raja Pervez Ashraf praises President Zardari’s vision for economic stability
Chairman PPP said that President Zardari made a historic speech at the joint Parliament yesterday. This marked the first time in Pakistan’s history that a civilian President addressed the Parliament for the eighth time. President Zardari’s statesmanship and focus on the issues of the people, as well as urging for consensus-based reforms was a reflection of the expectations of the people. From economy to terrorism, and Palestine to Kashmir, as well as agriculture and technology, President Zardari’s address touched upon all the vital issues faced by the country. President Zardari, as a symbol of the federation, is the sole representative of all elected members of the Parliament, as well as the provincial assemblies.
In his address, President Zardari clearly pointed out the government’s one-sided policies made without consensus, particularly the decision to make new canals from the Indus River. In a very positive manner, President Zardari shed light on the issue before the National Assembly and the current government. The government of the time is under strain due to the issue, and the decision should be reviewed and resolved.
Regarding the Iftar dinner with PM Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Bilawal said that he is grateful to him for hosting the PPP’s delegation. Chairman PPP said inflation was the most important issue, upon which the parties contested the elections, and now that the indicators are improving, the PPP joins the rest of the country in congratulating PM Sharif. He further said the PPP also raised it’s concerns, including the law and order situation in Balochistan and KP. Regarding the latter, Chairman PPP said that such disinterest has never been witnessed by a provincial government before when it comes to the issues of it’s own people. From Parachinar to Bannu and Peshawar, including all tribal areas, the fire of terrorism continues to spread. Chairman Bilawal said that he requested the PM to beckon the provincial government towards resolving this. It is also the federation’s responsibility to look after these issues, as they cannot abandon KP to the whims of the current provincial regime. Pertaining to Balochistan, not only is law and order a pressing issue, but climate change is too sinking it’s claws into the province and the restoration work for the devastation caused by the floods needs to be expedited.
Responding to the questions, Chairman PPP said that it is the media’s responsibility to disseminate the truth only. The Opposition’s propaganda should not be repeated. PPP has been the first party to raise it’s voice against issues encroaching on the rights of the provinces. Even in his last speech to the Assembly, late Nawaz Yousuf Talpur raised the water issue, and so did other members of the PPP. CM Sindh, his ministers and the provincial bureaucracy too raised the issue on every forum. Politicians belonging to certain factions are using this national issue to further their own politics, and are targeting the sole party that always strives for parity.
Responding to another question, Chairman Bilawal said that he expects that the PM would honour the basic points agreed upon with the PPP as part of their political understanding. PM instructed his team to address our grievances, Chairman PPP said. He further said that the PPP is the third-largest force in the National Assembly. Our confidence level has not yet reached the stage where the PPP can become a coalition partner of the government, Chairman said. The PPP is currently working with the political party that engaged with it for the sake of the country.
Answering another question, Chairman PPP said that the Council of Common Interests is the right forum to address the issue of water distribution. The PPP has continuously demanded for a meeting of the CCI to be called. Moreover, as far as the Green Pakistan project and garnering investment for agriculture, the PPP not only owns it but it is the very philosophy of the Party. We do not only want relief for our farmers, but wish for them to flourish. We believe that we have to work hard in two phases, one aspect of which is collective farming. To maximise results for the first phase, the areas of Punjab and Sindh that contribute to the agricultural economy need to be prioritised. The largest land ownership in Pakistan is not by the big landowners, but small landowners. Small landowners will be given the power of collective bargaining when working together. Moreover, if the provincial governments utilise the public-private partnership model, to introduce smart irrigation, and the federal government funds this transition, collective farming can become a revolutionary measure. The PPP currently is working on pilot projects across Sindh, including bio saline agriculture experiments in Thar. We do not oppose for the sake of opposing, but have alternate solutions to propose in wake of crises.
Chairman Bilawal said that addressing the law and order situation is a collective responsibility. Moreover, regarding President Zardari’s statement, Chairman PPP said that there is no reason for the government to not accept the suggestions. The government would not want for it’s projects to become controversial or harm any of the federating units. Pertaining to the upcoming budget, Chairman Bilawal said that he hopes that the PPP and PML-N, as per their agreement will collectively draft it along with the PSDP for the four provinces.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his condolences on the passing of Nawab Yousuf Talpur, acknowledging his significant contributions to politics. He noted that while Nawab Yousuf Talpur was a PPP MNA, their relationship extended beyond politics, spanning three generations of family ties. Despite his title, Nawab Yousuf Talpur remained a down-to-earth political activist who began his journey as a student leader, firmly rooted in ideological politics.
Chairman Bilawal highlighted Nawab Yousuf Talpur’s crucial role in democratic movements, from the MRD to the ARD, and his steadfast opposition to authoritarian rule. He endured the oppression of dictators from General Zia to General Musharraf but never wavered in his commitment to democracy. His dedication served as a lesson for PPP workers, reinforcing the belief that politics should be driven by ideology and purpose.
Nawab Yousuf Talpur was elected as a member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly in the 1970s and later served as a member of the National Assembly from 1993 to 2024. The parliamentary record reflects his unwavering advocacy for PPP’s ideology and the real issues facing the people. As the federal minister for food and agriculture, he consistently championed the rights of farmers and agricultural development. Throughout his life, he was a vocal proponent of equitable water distribution, a cause that remains a pressing issue today. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasised that, at a time when water scarcity is a critical challenge, the absence of Nawab Yousuf Talpur’s strong voice on the matter is deeply felt.
