Islamabad: Hyderabad, August 12: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lauded the United States’ decision to designate the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Majeed Brigade as terrorist entities, calling it a major diplomatic triumph for Pakistan and a validation of its stance. He stated this while addressing the media after inaugurating uplift schemes in Hyderabad today. He pledged to pursue similar proscriptions from the United Nations.
Bhutto Zardari condemned the BLA and Majeed Brigade for targeting laborers and innocent bystanders, and for their open support of India during recent tensions between the two countries. He also raised concerns about India’s ongoing threats to restrict water flow into the Indus River, emphasizing that under the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan is entitled to its share. He termed the Indus River as the lifeblood of Pakistan and called for national unity on this critical issue. He applauded the Trump administration for implementing high tariffs on India.
The PPP leader also pressed for an immediate meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC) to announce a new NFC Award, ensuring that provinces receive their due share of resources. He noted that the constitution mandates an NFC Award every five years and criticized what he termed the shifting of blame onto provinces for the Federal Board of Revenue’s tax collection shortfalls.
Bhutto Zardari argued that provincial responsibilities and spending have surged after the 18th Amendment without a corresponding increase in resources. He cited Balochistan’s struggle to combat conflict with limited funds and demanded reforms to alleviate poverty. He urged the central government to fulfill its responsibilities and finalize the new NFC Award through consensus.
On the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Bhutto Zardari revealed that the PPP had not been formally approached by the government or any political entity and relied on media reports for information.
Discussing the Sindh Peoples Housing Project for flood victims of 2022, he affirmed the program’s transparency, highlighting collaboration with international bodies and non-governmental organizations to provide housing for millions of families. He stated that the project is free of corruption and can be verified online.
Bhutto Zardari underscored the Sindh government’s investment in education, healthcare, and higher learning institutions, while criticizing federal cuts to higher education funding. He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to establishing a university in every district.
He also advocated for an airport in Hyderabad, promising to raise the issue with the Prime Minister. If needed, he said, the Sindh government would undertake the project itself, using the Sialkot model. He praised the Sindh government’s clean water initiatives and the Hyderabad Ring Road project, attributing the current progress to alignment between local and provincial governance under the PPP.
Finally, in light of the global water scarcity, Bhutto Zardari urged Pakistan to adopt modern agricultural practices like drip irrigation.