Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on Thursday that the federal government and provincial administrations have reached a mutual understanding to share the responsibilities arising from “unusual national necessities.” He emphasized that beyond the existing three-year financial arrangement, the federal government will not seek additional contributions from the provinces.
Addressing the National Assembly during the budget session, Bilawal affirmed the provinces’ commitment to contribute their share towards the country’s defence. He reassured that the provinces’ allocations under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award remain safeguarded, and no further sacrifices or financial demands will be imposed on them beyond this agreement.
He acknowledged the repeated sacrifices made by provincial governments in the national interest, noting that these efforts continue amid ongoing economic challenges. Bilawal highlighted that many issues have been resolved through constitutional mechanisms in close coordination with the federal government, reflecting a spirit of cooperation.
Despite the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal pointed out that no province has yet received its rightful share. He also warned that the tax relief granted to tribal districts is set to expire in 2026, while terrorism continues to inflict significant harm on the country. These circumstances, he argued, call for collective responsibility and a unified national response to overcome the challenges facing Pakistan.
In a significant development, Bilawal praised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for setting aside political differences to contribute to national interests. He welcomed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) decision on the parliamentary floor as a positive sign of prioritizing national concerns over political rivalries. He expressed confidence that such cooperation among political forces would enable the country to confront all challenges effectively.
Bilawal urged the introduction of projects aimed at strengthening the national economy, emphasizing the need for sustainable economic growth rather than short-term fixes. He criticized the current financial model for its heavy reliance on debt, warning that the country’s economy lacks a solid foundation for long-term stability. “We take loans to pay back loans,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of reform.
He further argued that development efforts should extend beyond major urban centers to ensure balanced progress across the country. Bilawal also congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on their successful mediation leading to a preliminary peace agreement between Iran and the United States, describing it as a historic step toward regional stability.
Paying tribute to Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces, Bilawal acknowledged Pakistan’s deep understanding of the costs of war, having endured terrorism and conflict firsthand. He expressed hope that diplomatic engagement, such as the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, would foster lasting peace and prosperity, noting that peace is essential for national progress.
However, Bilawal warned of elements attempting to destabilize peace efforts, citing threats from India related to Operation Sindoor as potentially damaging to regional calm. He strongly condemned attacks on the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling such campaigns “regrettable and shameful.” He praised BISP for its global recognition in supporting vulnerable populations and welcomed the prime minister’s assurance to continue strengthening the programme despite opposition.
Bilawal stressed that Pakistan’s progress depends on uplifting its underprivileged and marginalized communities. He reaffirmed his party’s steadfast support for BISP, regardless of others’ positions.
Turning to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal expressed concern over escalating political tensions and protests. He urged demonstrators to recognize that continued agitation in its current form would not achieve their goals and would only deepen instability. The government, he said, remains open to dialogue and has consistently engaged with protest groups, but warned that extremist elements within the protests must be separated to avoid counterproductive outcomes.
Bilawal criticized actions damaging Pakistan’s international image and the Kashmir cause, accusing the “Modi–Netanyahu nexus” of working against Pakistan’s interests. He reiterated that political solutions should be pursued through peaceful and constitutional means rather than street confrontations.
He revealed that an agreement with the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is about 80% complete but noted that one demand—regarding migrant seats—has become contentious and harder to resolve under current conditions. Bilawal firmly stated that the issue of migrant representation cannot be compromised or settled through threats or sit-ins, insisting it must be addressed through negotiation and legal processes involving all stakeholders, including the Muslim Conference and other political parties.
Concluding, Bilawal emphasized the importance of consensus-building to ensure migrant representation is protected, affirming that “Kashmir will decide Kashmir itself.” He also celebrated his party’s electoral success in Gilgit-Baltistan, where the PPP secured 11 seats, interpreting this as a clear mandate of continued public support in the region.
