Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has emphasized the need for a formal written agreement between the federal government and provincial administrations to jointly tackle terrorism. Speaking at the inauguration of Treatment Plant-I in Karachi, he stressed that cooperation between the Centre and provinces is essential to address the escalating security challenges.
Bilawal, who previously served as foreign minister, urged all political parties to separate political agendas from the critical issue of terrorism. He warned that the worsening security situation would not remain limited to one province but could spread if left unchecked. Highlighting regional dynamics, he accused India of orchestrating terrorist activities originating from Afghanistan.
In a significant development, Bilawal criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for not prioritizing the fight against terrorism despite frequent attacks in the province. He cautioned that if KP’s provincial government failed to cooperate with the federal authorities, constitutional measures such as the imposition of governor’s rule or an emergency might become necessary.
Turning to the ongoing political tensions, Bilawal addressed the conflict between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by Imran Khan, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led government. He underscored the importance of ongoing negotiations and called on all parties to work towards a political resolution in the national interest. Notably, the PTI had postponed its planned long march to Islamabad from September 27 to October 4, a protest aimed at demanding the release of its jailed leader Imran Khan and the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Bilawal asserted that political stability is crucial for strengthening democracy and enabling the country to combat terrorism effectively without resorting to emergency powers. He revealed that the federal government had previously considered imposing governor’s rule or an emergency in KP but advocated for exhausting all political avenues first.
He also mentioned that the PPP had proposed allowing political parties to engage in talks with the PTI to persuade it to call off the long march. While acknowledging the right to protest, Bilawal maintained that the PTI’s demonstration had achieved its objectives and should now be brought to an end. Referring to the disruption caused in Islamabad, he noted that the capital had been effectively shut down for 10 days and urged political activists to recognize their success and conclude the protest.
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