Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government on Saturday for making unilateral decisions without an electoral mandate to justify such actions.
Speaking at a press conference in Larkana, Bilawal accused the ruling ally of acting as if it had a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, disregarding its responsibility to consult coalition partners. He reminded the government that its current parliamentary strength does not reflect the dominance it had in the 1990s, emphasizing the need for collective decision-making among allied parties.
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Bilawal condemned the government’s disregard for Sindh’s objections to six proposed canals on the Indus River, calling the decisions arbitrary and in violation of the IRSA Act and Water Accord 1991. He compared these plans to the controversial Kalabagh Dam project, stating they risked similar opposition and failure.
The PPP chairman expressed disappointment over unmet assurances of equitable financial support for provinces but remained hopeful that dialogue could address provincial concerns effectively.
Digital Rights Concerns
Bilawal criticized the government for slowing internet speeds and restricting access without consultation, calling these actions regressive in a country with a predominantly young population. He urged a shift in focus from physical infrastructure to digital connectivity, essential for the modern era.
National Security and External Influence
Bilawal raised concerns about foreign scrutiny of Pakistan’s missile technology, linking it to broader conspiracies against the country’s defense capabilities. He credited his grandfather, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, and mother, Benazir Bhutto, for establishing Pakistan as a nuclear and missile-capable nation, urging political unity to counter external threats.
He also criticized PTI Chairman Imran Khan for inconsistent foreign policy stances, highlighting accusations against the US and Saudi Arabia for allegedly orchestrating his government’s removal in 2022.
Bilawal called for unity among political parties to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and address pressing national issues collectively.
