He emphasizes decentralized economic planning and warns that the economy “cannot be managed with sticks”
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addresses a ceremony organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Photo:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for the creation of new provinces only where there is consensus, urging the government to focus on areas of agreement before moving ahead with its plan to create 20 provinces.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said the National Assembly had already agreed on some provinces and stressed that the proposals, ready for implementation, should be implemented immediately.
Bilawal noted that the PPP has historically maintained governance while sometimes implementing governor’s rule when necessary. Citing the Punjab Assembly’s legislation to create a province and establish local government, he compared it to Sindh’s even stronger framework and stressed that political stability requires cross-party cooperation. He warned that not involving the affected communities could create challenges at the provincial level.
Recalling the PPP’s no-confidence motion that removed a sitting prime minister, Bilawal criticized the PTI for consistently adopting a disruptive approach and called for constructive engagement among political parties. Asked about the meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, he reiterated the need for all parties to maintain dialogue.
Meanwhile, Bilawal warned that Pakistan’s economy “cannot be run with sticks”, urging the government to abandon coercive measures and adopt a cooperative and decentralized approach to economic planning.
Addressing a function organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), he said that Pakistan’s business history is often distorted but the focus should be on the future. He assured that the PPP would work alongside the FPCCI advisory group to strengthen economic initiatives and planning at the district level.
“One difference between the Prime Minister’s team and our team is that they favor centralization, while we believe in decentralization. If you prepare district-wise plans, it will strengthen our arguments, and I appreciate your recommendations for economic offices,” he said.
Bilawal stressed that governments often rely on coercion to manage the economy, but that “a country cannot be run by force alone: it must be run with cooperation.” He added: “Honey is more attractive than vinegar. » He also urged competitive tax rates, respect for business and voluntary compliance to achieve better economic outcomes.
Providing a practical example, Bilawal noted that before the 18th Amendment, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collected sales tax on services. After decentralization, Sindh immediately took responsibility for collection and has since surpassed the FBR records. Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan also surpassed previous federal collections. “This demonstrates that decentralization works,” he said.
He highlighted the overarching objective of the PPP to increase revenue, improve tax collection and widen the tax net while promoting economic growth and human development.
Bilawal said he was proud of the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and China, noting that the country has not taken full advantage of the trade incentives offered by Beijing. He also highlighted the opportunities created by the recent tariff war and Europe’s GSP Plus status, which led to a 60 percent increase in exports to Europe during his tenure as foreign minister.
He acknowledged that the President, Governors of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Sindh government and the Prime Minister were actively working to resolve the problems faced by the business community. He reiterated that while the Prime Minister favors centralization, the PPP believes that decentralization is the key to sustainable growth and supports the FPCCI programs at the district level.
