ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday described the agreement between the United States and Iran as a new ray of hope for the region and the entire world, asserting that it demonstrates dialogue is better than war and diplomacy is more powerful than confrontation.
Praise for Leadership and Armed Forces
Addressing the budget session in the National Assembly, Bilawal extended felicitations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari for consistently standing for peace. He also paid tribute to Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir and the Armed Forces for bringing pride to Pakistan through their leadership and defense of the country.
Call for Kashmir Representation
Bilawal emphasized the Pakistan Peoples Party’s historic ties with Kashmir. Having served as the youngest Foreign Minister, he questioned how long the people of Kashmir would remain deprived of the right to join the House. He proposed that their representatives should be permitted to sit in the House on an interim basis to present their views. “Until a plebiscite takes place, it is my request to this House and the institutions to heed this demand,” he stated.
Referring to Azad Jammu and Kashmir, he urged protesters to end their protests, distance themselves from elements promoting violence, and resolve issues through peaceful means and dialogue. He stressed that all issues should be resolved through political means. The PPP Chairman also proposed granting interim representation to Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan’s Parliament.
Economic and Defense Consensus
Participating in the budget debate, Bilawal said the federal and provincial governments should formulate a long-term, sustainable plan based on growth-oriented economic policies to meet the country’s development and defense needs. He emphasized the need for political consensus on all key issues to effectively address national challenges. He expressed satisfaction that Sindh and other provinces have agreed to contribute to national defense, noting that this arrangement was reached through consensus within the constitutional framework and democratic norms.
Benazir Income Support Programme
Highlighting the positive impact of the Benazir Income Support Programme on underprivileged segments of society, the PPP Chairman welcomed the increase in its budget allocation.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace
Bilawal said that Pakistan knows the cost of war well. “We have sacrificed our loved ones, combated terrorism, and suffered through the economic consequences of uncertainty and instability. This is why Pakistan always raises the flag of peace because it is not just a moral obligation but an economic necessity,” he said, adding that Pakistan would also need to take a step towards progress as the whole world moves towards peace.
Security Challenges
He noted that the region is not entirely peaceful despite peace efforts between Iran and the US. “Elements that want to harm the peace process exist. We are still facing security challenges on our Western border with Afghanistan. On the eastern side, we are being threatened with an ‘Operation Sindoor 2’ by India,” he said, adding that one-sided efforts are being made to make the Indus Water Treaty controversial. Foreign elements are supporting terrorism and trying to harm Pakistan.
Political Consensus and Constitutional Process
“During such situations, nations are tested. It gives me immense pride to say that Pakistan has handled this situation by displaying political consensus and democratic values,” he said. The federal and provincial governments have decided to shoulder the burden of extraordinary necessities owed to defense and national security. This decision was taken within the scope of the Constitution, in accordance with Article 164 through grants. Pakistan’s Constitution gives the federation and provinces the right to use grants to address arising needs.
He noted that prior to the budget, some in the media speculated that the 18th Amendment would be abolished, provincial rights snatched, or BISP discontinued. However, he thanked PM Sharif, Deputy PM and FM Ishaq Dar, the Finance Minister, and the entire team of the PM.
Israel-India Nexus
Bilawal said that the Israel-India nexus intends to inflict harm upon Pakistan through terrorism and issues with Afghanistan. In light of this, all provinces have agreed to contribute. Not only the government and its allies, but also Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, run by the Opposition, has decided to put political differences aside to take part in this effort. Chairman Bilawal welcomed this decision of the PTI and said that if the Opposition continues to prioritize national interest, then there is no problem Pakistan cannot tackle.
