Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari speaks during the inauguration of the new Outpatient Department (OPD) block of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Photo: Express
LAHORE:
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, sensing political fragilities in the overly important Punjab province, treaded carefully on Tuesday when he spoke about the diminishing space for allies and lack of resources at the disposal of the Governor’s House, but at the same time heaped praise on the provincial government led by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Speaking in an interaction with media bureau chiefs and bigwigs, the PPP chairman supported the move to create another province in Punjab, while avoiding questions regarding new provinces in Sindh and elsewhere, saying new provinces should first be created where political consensus already exists, instead of launching an ambitious bid to create “20 new provinces” without a deal.
The PPP president stressed that a consensus already existed in the National Assembly on the creation of new provinces.
The Bhutto scion is in the provincial capital for a four-day visit, during which he is expected to shake up the party organization in Punjab by unveiling a major reorganization of its district and divisional branches. The reshuffle is expected to hand new responsibilities to 63 party members at the district and divisional levels.
“Before creating 20 new provinces, one must first create those on which there is agreement,” Bilawal said, adding that if the proposals already put forward were to be implemented, then they should be implemented immediately. “The work that needed to take place is already underway.”
He pointed out that the Punjab Assembly had passed a resolution for the creation of a new province and promulgated a local government system, but said Sindh’s local government framework remained stronger in comparison.
Bilawal also said a single parliament could reasonably pass two constitutional amendments, but beyond that there was little room. “The Constitution is not a document meant to be amended repeatedly,” he said.
When asked if he intended to become prime minister, Bilawal replied that he would take up the post if the public voted for him. When asked if he would become prime minister under the current circumstances, he jokingly raised his hands to his ears, prompting laughter.
Without mentioning the PML-N-led government in Punjab, Bilawal said Punjab’s allies should also be given political space and clarified that the PPP has no plans to take up ministries in Punjab at the moment.
Continuing his veiled criticism of Maryam Nawaz’s government, he said that if a local government law had been passed in Sindh ahead of elections, people would have taken him to task.
The adoption of a new law helped the government postpone local elections to a later date.
Furthermore, when asked why was he not spending more time in Punjab, a weak speech for the party that needs special attention, he replied that he had suggested his political rivals to appoint their own governor in Sindh and visit the province, but lamented that they did not do so. “We come to Punjab, but it is still not tolerated,” he said.
Asked about the PTI ban, Bilawal stressed that reconciliation was the only way forward for the country amid growing political tensions, saying political stability could not be achieved without dialogue and compromise.
“If reconciliation happens, everyone will have to come together for political stability to improve,” he said, warning that an environment in which political actors could not even talk to each other would only worsen crises, especially when instability emerged in a province.
Bilawal said he had no personal difference with Imran Khan although he did not agree with his methods.
“Reconciliation is necessary, everyone must come together so that we can move towards political stability.”
Referring to the 2022 no-confidence vote that ousted PTI founder Imran Khan, Bilawal said the PPP introduced it for the first time in Pakistan’s history and succeeded in sending home a sitting prime minister.
He accused the PTI of maintaining a persistent confrontational posture, saying its approach continued to put stress not only on the party itself but the entire system.
He claimed that governance had failed in PTI-controlled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and warned that if such conditions persisted, prospects for political reconciliation would further diminish. “When the PPP is ready to take a step forward, the situation deteriorates on the other side,” he said.
Bilawal also spoke of political tolerance, recalling that he had visited Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat prison, but once he was released, the attacks resumed. “This does not sit well with some people,” he said, lamenting that while he refrained from criticizing anyone during his visits to Punjab, his restraint was often not reciprocated.
He said he had suggested to his political rivals to appoint their own governor in Sindh and visit the province, but lamented that they did not do so. “We come to Punjab, but it is still not tolerated,” he said.
Responding to a question that he had visited Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat, would he also go to Adiala, Bilawal said, “Yes, I went to meet Nawaz Sharif, but as soon as he came out, he attacked us during a rally.
He said that Punjab Governor lacked powers or resources but Sardar Saleem Haider is still working very well and dedicatedly.
Despite her mild complaints, he praised Maryam Nawaz, saying the Punjab chief minister was also doing a good job.
