Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addresses a press conference in Karachi on November 7, 2025. Screenshot
LAHORE:
As the PPP president concluded his four-day stay in the provincial capital, during which he praised the Punjab chief minister, Maryam Nawaz reciprocated by extending a warm welcome to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, conveying her heartfelt good wishes and prayers.
On the microblogging website, Maryam welcomed Bilawal on his visit and told him that Punjab is her home and she will always find a place of respect there. He also thanked him for his kind comments.
During his visit, Bilawal praised Maryam for her leadership and governance and even invited her to participate in the Sindh elections. However, praise for the Punjab government appears to be just a garnish for a main course of veiled criticism. Despite spending four days in Punjab, neither side approached the other for a formal meeting, which is otherwise customary between natural allies.
The PPP president visited Chiniot on Thursday to offer his condolences to PPP Central Punjab general secretary Hassan Murtaza on the demise of his father.
Responding to media questions, Bilawal again hinted at the possibility of a governor ruling in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while denying any formal discussions with the PML-N on the issue. He warned, however, that the current situation could force the government to take action.
Bilawal said people are facing economic difficulties. While he acknowledged that the government’s claims of improving the economy are true to some extent, he noted that much more needs to be done. He highlighted the need to focus on exports and said the PPP believes the federal and provincial governments are not adequately supporting the agricultural sector.
Regarding the conviction of Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hameed, he termed it a historic verdict and stated that the former general had been sentenced to 14 years. “I think there will also be more trials for different crimes committed by him,” he said.
Bilawal recalled witnessing two “pharaohs” in his political life: Imran Khan, who as prime minister threatened people with jail, even targeting women from families of political opponents like Faryal Talpur and Maryam Nawaz, and General Faiz, who he said was intoxicated by power and, in violation of his oath, attacked politicians, media owners and others. “They are now held responsible for their actions,” he added.
On the 27th Amendment, Bilawal said the PPP believes it fulfills one of the key points of the Charter of Democracy (CoD). “This was promised in the CoD, and the PPP had long demanded the creation of a constitutional court with equal representation of all federated units,” he said, pointing out that the chief justice of the constitutional court is from south Punjab, which he called “a triumph for our ideology.”
He added that the PPP prevented any changes to the NFC Prize and described it as another great victory. The NFC Award, protected by the 18th Amendment, ensures the financial security of the provinces. “If changes had been made, Punjab would have suffered the most,” he said. The PPP chairman acknowledged the federal government’s financial difficulties, but noted that the government has not approached the PPP regarding the 28th Amendment or the creation of new provinces.
Bilawal emphasized that the people of any province or city are not responsible for these financial challenges. “The responsibility lies with the bureaucrats in Islamabad,” he said, pointing out that the FBR systematically fails to meet its revenue targets. “Why should the people bear the brunt of the FBR’s weaknesses and mistakes?”
President arrives in Lahore
President Asif Zardari has arrived in Lahore, where he is expected to stay for a few days. During his visit, there were rumors of a possible meeting between the PPP and PML-N leaders; However, neither party has received official or unofficial confirmation.
