——- Says terrorism issues cannot be resolved over a cup of tea
From Zeeshan Mirza
KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the problems between Pakistan and Afghanistan cannot be resolved simply through visits or casual meetings.
Speaking at a press conference at the Governor House in Peshawar on Monday, he stressed the importance of finding solutions for the complex issues facing both countries.
Bilawal reiterated that numerous countries and armies have failed there, stating, “A visit to Afghanistan or a cup of tea will not solve the issues. As foreign minister, I facilitated China-Pakistan-Afghanistan negotiations. The problems of Afghanistan and Pakistan should be resolved, acknowledging that not all issues are under Afghan control.”
He questioned the silence on terrorism, recalling that it was the PPP’s demand that led to briefings by General (R) Bajwa and Faiz Hameed to the parliament. He expressed anticipation for the APC to present their position based on facts, neither criticizing nor praising every government decision.
Bilawal accused the K-P government of facilitating terrorists for 15 years. He praised the governor for including provincial projects in the PSDP and proposed free 300 units if made prime minister. He further shared plans for free solar systems for the poor in Sindh’s budget, addressing economic burdens, and advocating for a shift of indirect taxes from the poor to the elite.
He emphasised the need for broad consultation on security issues, involving not just allies but the opposition as well. “How long will we continue to carry bodies? When will good days come? Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the worst law and order situation. Facilitators of terrorists are presented as heroes,” he lamented.
Bilawal highlighted the significant security challenges in the province, noting that peace was established through great sacrifices.
“We defeated terrorists with public support and the bravery of our forces. Terrorist organisations are resurging from K-P to Balochistan. We will participate in the prime minister’s APC with our stance, working together to address these issues. We have always stood by the public and the military,” he said. The PPP chairman pointed out that the current government stands because of PPP votes and emphasised the importance of consulting the party before the budget. He expressed confidence that the prime minister and his team would address their concerns and issues, promising prior consultation for the next budget.
Bilawal met with various personalities, including members of the provincial assembly and the Peshawar Press Club cabinet. He expressed his desire to visit the press club, highlighting the development work carried out by the PPP in Sindh.
He invited journalists from other provinces to observe the progress in Sindh, mentioning efforts to combat poverty through interest-free loans and reconstruction of flood-damaged homes, including granting ownership rights to affected homeowners.
Bilawal criticised the negative politics prevalent in K-P, contrasting it with the positive politics practiced by the PPP. He condemned the politics of hatred and arrogance, asserting that the PPP aims to reorganise in K-P to counteract such negative politics with positivity.
He also addressed the crucial issue of load shedding, advocating for a clear stance. He insisted that K-P, which produces cheap electricity, should have the first right to it and urged the federal government to establish solar energy parks in all provinces to address energy shortages.
Bilawal further shared plans for a solar energy park in Sindh to provide electricity. He added that there is no criticism of the defence budget and that anyone wishing to file a case against “prisoner number 804” would not be stopped, though he would not file any case.
He criticiced the double standards of threatening others with lawsuits while complaining about facing them. “Everyone has faced jail and cases, but no one has complained as much,” he remarked.
