Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari speaks at the inauguration of the newly constructed outpatient department (OPD) block at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Photo: Express
LAHORE:
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, sensing political fragilities in the all-important Punjab province, on Tuesday exercised caution when speaking about the shrinking space for allies and the paucity of resources at the disposal of the Governor’s House, but at the same time praised the provincial government headed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Speaking during an interaction with media bureau chiefs and bigwigs, the PPP chairman backed the move that aims to create another province in Punjab, while deflecting questions on new provinces in Sindh and elsewhere, stating that new provinces should first be created where there is already a political consensus, instead of launching an ambitious bid to establish “20 new provinces” without a deal.
The president of the PPP pointed out that there is already consensus in the National Assembly on the creation of new provinces.
The Bhutto scion is in the provincial capital on a four-day visit, during which he is expected to revolutionize the party’s organization in Punjab by unveiling a major reorganization of its district and divisional chapters. The reshuffle is expected to hand over new responsibilities to 63 party workers at district and division levels.
“Before creating 20 new provinces, those on which there is agreement should be created first,” Bilawal said, adding that if the proposals already presented were meant to be implemented, then action should be taken immediately. “The work that was supposed to be done is already underway.”
He noted that the Punjab Assembly had passed a resolution for the creation of a new province and enacted a local government system, but said Sindh’s local government framework remained stronger in comparison.
Bilawal also said that a single parliament could reasonably pass two constitutional amendments, but beyond that there was little room. “The Constitution is not a document intended to be modified repeatedly,” he said.
When asked if he intended to become prime minister, Bilawal replied that he would take over if the public voted for him. When asked further about whether he would become prime minister under the current circumstances, he jokingly put his hands over his ears, prompting laughter.
Without mentioning the PML-N-led government in Punjab, Bilawal said allies in Punjab would also need to be given political space and clarified that the PPP had no intention of taking ministries in Punjab at this time.
Continuing his veiled criticism against the Maryam Nawaz government, he said that if a local government law had been passed in Sindh on the eve of elections, people would have rebuked him.
The passing of a new law helped the government delay local body elections until later.
Furthermore, when asked why he did not spend more time in Punjab, a weak tone for the party that requires attention, he said he had suggested that his political rivals appoint their own governor in Sindh and visit the province, but regretted that they did not do so. “We have come to Punjab, but we still do not tolerate it,” he said.
When asked about the PTI ban, Bilawal emphasized that reconciliation was the only way forward for the country amid rising political tensions, and said political stability could not be achieved without dialogue and compromise.
“If reconciliation occurs, everyone will have to come together so that political stability improves,” he said, warning that an environment in which political actors could not even talk to each other would only deepen crises, particularly when instability arises in a province.
Bilawal said he had no personal difference with Imran Khan, although he did not agree with his methods.
“Reconciliation is necessary, everyone must come together so that we can move towards political stability.”
Referring to the 2022 no-confidence vote that ousted PTI founder Imran Khan from power, Bilawal said the PPP had fielded it for the first time in Pakistan’s history and had managed to send home a sitting prime minister.
He accused the PTI of maintaining a persistently confrontational stance, saying its approach continued to put not only the party itself but the entire system under pressure.
He claimed that governance had failed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under PTI control and warned that if such conditions continued, prospects for political reconciliation would diminish further. “When the PPP is willing to take a step forward, the situation deteriorates on the other side,” he said.
Bilawal also referred to political tolerance and recalled that he had visited Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat jail, but once he was released, the attacks resumed. “It doesn’t sit well with some people,” he said, lamenting that while he refrained from criticizing anyone during his visits to Punjab, the restraint was often unrequited.
He said he had suggested that his political rivals appoint their own governor in Sindh and visit the province, but regretted that they did not do so. “We have come to Punjab, but we still do not tolerate it,” he said.
Responding to a question whether he visited Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat, whether he would also go to Adiala, Bilawal replied: “Yes, I went to meet Nawaz Sharif, but as soon as he came out, he attacked us at a rally.”
He said that the governor of Punjab lacked any powers or resources but Sardar Saleem Haider is still working very well with dedication.
Despite his quiet complaints, he praised Maryam Nawaz and claimed that the Punjab chief minister is also doing a good job.
