Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the federal government will not seek any additional sacrifices from the provinces beyond a mutually agreed contribution towards national defence, emphasizing that the provinces’ share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award will remain fully protected.
Addressing the National Assembly during the budget session on Thursday, Bilawal said the federal and provincial governments had jointly decided to share the burden of what he described as “unusual national necessities” over a three-year period.
Provinces Contributing in National Interest
Bilawal stated that all provincial governments had repeatedly made sacrifices in the national interest and were continuing to do so despite facing their own financial difficulties.
“We have agreed with the government to contribute our share for the country’s defence,” he said, adding that no further reduction in provincial resources would be sought beyond the agreed arrangement.
He noted that several issues had been resolved through constitutional mechanisms and cooperation between the federation and provinces. However, he also argued that despite the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces had yet to receive their full due share of resources.
Call for National Unity
The PPP chairman stressed the need for collective responsibility in addressing Pakistan’s economic and security challenges.
He warned that tax exemptions for the former tribal districts were due to expire in 2026 while the country continued to face the threat of terrorism. According to Bilawal, these circumstances require political forces to work together instead of deepening divisions.
He also welcomed the decision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and opposition parties to support the defence contribution, describing it as a positive example of placing national interests above political rivalries.
“If we continue to work in this manner for the national interest, we will be able to confront every challenge,” he told lawmakers.
Concerns Over Economic Model
Bilawal expressed concern about Pakistan’s economic structure, saying the country remained heavily dependent on borrowing.
“We take loans to pay back loans,” he remarked, warning that such a model could not provide long-term economic stability.
He urged policymakers to focus on projects that generate sustainable economic growth, create opportunities across the country, and strengthen the national economy rather than concentrating development in a few major urban centres.
Welcomes US-Iran Peace Agreement
Bilawal congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s role in facilitating the recent US-Iran peace agreement.
He also paid tribute to Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Pakistan’s armed forces, praising their efforts in promoting regional peace and stability.
Describing the agreement as a historic achievement, Bilawal said Pakistan understands the costs of conflict better than most countries due to its long experience combating terrorism and dealing with regional instability.
“Whenever peace prevails, nations progress,” he said, expressing hope that dialogue between Washington and Tehran would contribute to lasting peace and economic development across the region.
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Strong Support for BISP
The PPP chairman strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), criticising what he called a campaign against one of Pakistan’s most important poverty alleviation initiatives.
He said the programme had earned international recognition for helping vulnerable families and welcomed assurances from the government that it would continue to be strengthened and expanded.
Bilawal reiterated that the PPP would continue to support BISP, arguing that Pakistan could not achieve meaningful progress unless disadvantaged and low-income communities also moved forward.
Concern Over Azad Kashmir Situation
Turning to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal expressed concern over ongoing protests and political tensions in the region.
He urged protesters to end demonstrations and engage in dialogue, saying continued unrest would not help achieve their objectives and could further destabilise the area.
According to Bilawal, negotiations with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) were largely complete, but disagreements remained over certain demands, particularly those related to migrant representation.
He maintained that issues concerning migrant seats could only be resolved through constitutional, legislative and democratic processes rather than through pressure tactics or prolonged sit-ins.
Gilgit-Baltistan Election Victory
Concluding his speech, Bilawal welcomed his party’s success in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying the people of the region had once again placed their trust in the PPP by awarding it 11 seats.
He described the result as a strong democratic mandate and a sign of continued public confidence in the party’s policies and leadership.
