Islamabad: The Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Senator Sherry Rehman, has raised alarms over the divisive rhetoric stemming from Punjab against Sindh and the PPP leadership amid a national crisis caused by devastating floods. Senator Rehman emphasized the need for unity as over 6.5 million Pakistanis are affected, criticizing the political tensions that have emerged instead.

Senator Rehman criticized the rhetoric targeting PPP’s leadership, including Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and expressed concern over the questioning of his credentials. She defended Bhutto Zardari, recalling the Prime Minister’s confidence in him as Foreign Minister and criticized the parochial disputes that have arisen.

The senator also condemned the attacks on the First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, stating such actions are unacceptable. She warned that PPP supporters would respond to unjustified attacks on their leadership, but in a responsible manner.

Senator Rehman highlighted the extensive damage caused by the floods, amounting to Rs3,856 billion, approximately $13.6 billion, and underscored the national nature of the crisis. She pointed to the significant damage in Punjab and urged for focus on relief efforts rather than political point scoring.

She emphasized the importance of transparency in relief efforts, advocating for the use of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) for aid distribution. Rehman defended the pursuit of international aid, including from the IMF, as essential for survival, not a sign of weakness.

The senator criticized the withdrawal of security for PPP’s parliamentary leader in Punjab, Ali Haider Gilani, as a negative signal to coalition partners, urging political unity in addressing the national emergency.

Senator Rehman concluded with a call for collective action, encouraging the government to speak with a unified voice and cautioning against taking the PPP’s support for granted in light of recent political tensions.