PPP decries 'unilateral decisions'

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KARACHI:

Criticising the federal government's 'unilateral decision-making', Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Information Secretary Shazia Atta Marri has warned such actions could have far-reaching consequences, stressing that threats or coercion could not resolve the party's serious issues with the government.

Marri condemned the decision to construct six new canals from the Indus River, calling it a blatant violation of the IRSA Act and the 1991 Water Accord. "Whenever the 1991 Accord is misused, the PPP has raised its voice," she asserted.

Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, the PPP leader said party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari didn't indulge in 'politics of ambiguity' and remained vocal when Pakistan's people were in distress.

She further slammed the federal government for addressing the country's challenges superficially, presenting impressive statistics without tangible benefits for the public.

"Bilawal is deeply concerned about the federal government's approach to addressing the country's challenges", she said.

Referring to Bilawal's recent statements, Marri said that the Bhutto scion rightly pointed out that the people of Pakistan desired political and economic stability, relief from inflation and poverty, and demanded prosperity.

However, she said, while the government presented impressive statistics, they did not translate into tangible benefits for the people.

Addressing international criticism, Member of National Assembly (MNA) Shazia Marri remarked that when staunch supporters of Israel in the US spoke against Pakistan's defence assets, their local allies celebrated. She noted that these pro-Israel elements were not only advocating sanctions on Pakistan's missile technology but also supporting an accused in prison.

Marri challenged PTI founder Imran Khan to openly condemn such actions if he truly believed these individuals were wrong to target Pakistan's defence assets. However, she noted his silence on the matter and declared that the PPP would not allow anyone to compromise Pakistan's interests.

Shazia Atta Marri criticised the federal government for failing to convene a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting, terming it a constitutional violation.

She highlighted that the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) had allocated only seven projects worth Rs77.2 billion to Sindh, compared to 34 projects worth Rs693.4 billion for Punjab, 21 projects for Balochistan, and 30 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

She also criticised the federal energy minister for his 'arrogant attitude' and 'unserious demeanour' in parliamentary sessions. Marri recalled that the minister admitted in the House to providing incorrect answers initially, only to correct them later.

She stressed that the PPP's rejection of politics based on hatred and division should not be mistaken for weakness.

Additionally, Marri condemned the federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governments for neglecting the people of Parachinar, leaving them without support amidst their struggles.

Shazia Atta Marri remarked that the enthusiastic participation from every corner of the country on the 17th martyrdom anniversary of slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had set a new precedent.

She expressed confidence that the spirit and determination with which people had gathered in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh was a testament to their commitment to continuing the mission of Benazir Bhutto.

She reiterated Bilawal's assertion that if Pakistan's nuclear assets or missile technology were ever under threat, the entire nation must unite to defend them.