Bilawal calls for agricultural emergency
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari raked the federal government over the coals on Friday for failing to declare an agricultural emergency in the aftermath of monsoon rains in Sindh.
“Crops have been destroyed by rains and floods. We demand agricultural emergency and compensation for farmers,” said Bilawal, addressing a crowd of supporters in Tando Bago, Badin district, and at Phuleli-Guni outfall drain.
The PPP chairperson chastised Prime Minister Imran Khan for what he described as his indifference towards the plight of the people in rural Sindh. He contended that in no other country in the world, a head of the state could avoid visiting a disaster hit place. “He hasn’t even issued a statement of solidarity for the people of Badin or other districts.” He reminded Imran that he is the premier of the whole country and not just Islamabad. “You will have to come here and serve these people. You cannot leave the people abandoned.”
Bilawal welcomed the Rs1,100 billion Karachi package, but deplored that a proposal shared with the Centre for rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sindh has yet to receive a response.
The PPP chairperson also appealed to the Supreme Court to transfer the funds collected from Bahria Town Karachi to Sindh.
Bilawal, further chastised the Centre for lack of accountability-oriented action against three of the premiers special aides implicated in graft and property scams. He asked why no joint interrogation team has been constituted and why there is no reference by the National Accountability Bureau against these aides.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2020.