Addressing budget debate in NA, PPP chairman welcomes US-Iran deal and renews call for constitutional rights for GB
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaking at the National Assembly. SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), describing it as an economic and national security initiative and calling criticism of the plan “regrettable and shameful”.
Speaking during the National Assembly debate on the federal budget for fiscal year 2026-27, Bilawal said the success of the program had been recognized by international institutions and argued that it should be expanded rather than reduced.
“Attacking Benazir’s income support program is regrettable and shameful,” he said. “The work of the Benazir Income Support Program is recognized by international institutions. The world says it is a successful program.”
Bilawal welcomed the government’s decision to increase BISP allocations in the upcoming budget and said the PPP would continue to champion the program regardless of political opposition.
“BISP is an economic and national security programme,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s economy could only achieve sustainable growth through greater investment in social protection policies.
He maintained that economic progress was inseparable from social justice and said Pakistan’s development depended on improving the lives of workers and farmers. “Pakistan’s economy will only progress when the worker progresses,” he said. “When the farmer develops, Pakistan’s agriculture develops.”
Bilawal also criticized Pakistan’s dependence on borrowing, noting that the country remained dependent on loans to finance its budget and repay existing debt.
The PPP chairman also welcomed the recent US-Iran peace deal and praised Pakistan’s leadership for its role in promoting regional stability.
He said Pakistan had repeatedly witnessed the economic costs of instability and uncertainty, which was why the country consistently advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“We have experienced the economic impact of uncertain situations. That is why Pakistan always promotes peace,” he said, describing peace as both a moral and economic necessity. “When there is stability in the region, investment increases. When there is peace, young people get jobs and the country progresses.”
Bilawal said that while the international community seemed to be moving towards peace, Pakistan must now focus on development and economic growth.
However, he warned that regional challenges remained, citing security concerns along the Afghan border, India’s threats of “Operation Sindoor 2.0” and New Delhi’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty. “I can proudly say that Pakistan has responded to the challenge with political unity and democratic tradition,” he said.
Bilawal noted that the federal and provincial governments had agreed to jointly shoulder the burden of increased defense and national security requirements despite fiscal constraints imposed under the IMF programme.
He said provinces had repeatedly sacrificed development spending to support national economic stability and maintain necessary budget surpluses.
“Punjab showed a surplus of Rs 700 billion last year and Rs 900 billion this year,” he said. “Punjab could have spent this money in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan, but the provinces are not spending these funds to support the national economy.”
Referring to the merged tribal districts, Bilawal said the commitments made to the erstwhile FATA are yet to be fulfilled.
He also acknowledged the support of the Tehreek-e-Insaf-led Pakistani government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, noting that despite political differences, it had agreed to contribute to national defense needs as per the agreement reached between the federation and the provinces.
Later in his speech, Bilawal thanked the people of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for their support and noted that the PPP had won 11 seats in the region. He described the people of GB as some of the most patriotic citizens of Pakistan and reiterated his commitment to protecting their political and constitutional rights.
Bilawal said the people of GB had historically freed themselves from Dogra rule and acceded to Pakistan, but continued to face unresolved constitutional issues. “Those who freed themselves from the Dogra government, how long can they remain deprived of their constitutional rights?” asked.
He called for serious consideration of GB’s long-standing constitutional demands and proposed interim representation for the region in Parliament. The PPP president stressed that the issue required national consensus and collective political agreement to ensure a lasting solution.
This story is being updated.
