Islamabad: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized the federal government’s response to the recent devastating floods, urging them to utilize the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for efficient aid distribution and to actively seek international assistance. Addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, Bhutto Zardari highlighted BISP as a proven system for transparent financial aid delivery during crises, particularly natural calamities. He expressed concern over the government’s alleged failure to reach flood-stricken citizens, especially in severely impacted regions like South Punjab.
Bhutto Zardari questioned the delay in providing aid, emphasizing BISP’s effectiveness as demonstrated during past floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that Punjab has the highest number of BISP beneficiaries and opposing its use would disproportionately affect them. He also questioned the PML-N’s shift in stance on the program, recalling their past praise for it.
While welcoming Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration of agricultural and climate emergencies, along with electricity bill waivers for flood-affected areas, Bhutto Zardari stressed the need for international aid. He urged the government to engage with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reassess conditions hindering support prices for struggling farmers and access to affordable fertilizer.
Concerned about the agricultural sector’s plight and potential food security threats, he advocated for investment in local farming communities. He announced a special agricultural package for flood-affected farmers in Sindh through the Hari Card, inviting federal collaboration for further support.
Bhutto Zardari also mentioned the recent Pakistan-Saudi Arabia agreement, stating a parliamentary briefing and in-camera session are scheduled. He discussed growing international recognition of Palestine, particularly after the Israeli attack on Doha, calling for policy reviews.
Addressing a journalist’s query, he accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the need for political solutions in Balochistan. He welcomed his cousins’ return to politics and expressed his continued support. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other provincial ministers were also present.