By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said there has been no formal discussion between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz, but the political situation created by the PTI is compelling the government to consider available constitutional options, including governor’s rule.
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Commenting on the conviction of former ISI chief General (R) Faiz Hameed, he termed it a historic verdict, noting that the ex-general has been sentenced to 14 years. “I think more trials will also be conducted regarding different crimes committed by him,” he said. Bilawal added that he has seen two “pharaohs” in his political life — Imran Khan and Faiz Hameed — both of whom, he said, are now facing the consequences of their actions.
He said Imran Khan, as prime minister, targeted political opponents, sent people to jail, and even went after women from rival families such as Faryal Talpur and Maryam Nawaz. “Now he is paying for his actions… what goes around comes around,” Bilawal remarked. About Gen Faiz, he said the former officer violated his oath, targeted politicians and media owners, and “must now seek mercy from the Almighty”.
Speaking about the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal said it fulfils a key commitment of the Charter of Democracy. He welcomed the formation of a Constitutional Court with equal representation from all federating units and noted that the chief justice of the court belongs to South Punjab, calling it “a triumph for our ideology”.
He said the PPP also resisted any move to alter the NFC Award, terming it another major victory. The NFC Award, protected under the 18th Amendment, guarantees financial autonomy to provinces. “If changes had been made, Punjab would have suffered the most,” he said. He acknowledged the federal government’s financial constraints but confirmed that no discussion had taken place with the PPP regarding the 28th Amendment or new provinces.
Bilawal said the people of Pakistan should not be held responsible for the country’s financial challenges, adding that the real responsibility lies with bureaucrats in Islamabad, particularly the FBR, which repeatedly fails to meet revenue targets. “Why should the people pay for the weaknesses of the FBR?” he asked. He reiterated the PPP’s firm stance against any changes to the NFC Award but expressed willingness to work together to address the federation’s financial issues.
The PPP chairman said people continue to face economic difficulties, though the government has improved the situation compared to when the PDM coalition took over amid near-default conditions and record unemployment. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has stabilised the economy and that foreign investment is indeed coming in.
Bilawal emphasised the need to boost exports and criticised both federal and provincial governments for insufficient support to the agriculture sector. He said the PPP has been assisting small farmers with fertilizer and pesticides to strengthen agriculture and increase exports.
