Bilawal demands proof from India on Pahalgam attack claims

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has demanded that India provide concrete evidence to substantiate its allegations against Pakistan regarding the Pahalgam attack. Addressing a public gathering in Mirpur Khas, Sindh, on Thursday, he stated:​

“We [Pakistan] are not involved in this. If you have evidence, then present it. Tell the people of Mirpur Khas who these terrorists are. We will catch them and hang them publicly in a ground in Mirpur Khas.”​

While rejecting the India's allegations against Pakistan, Bilawal said, “If India has evidence, let them present it. We will take action against the perpetrators. But if they continue to target Sindhu, they should be prepared for a response.”​

He further stated that Pakistan does not seek war but will defend its rights and resources against any aggression.​

He criticised India's accusations as a pretext to target the Indus River. He emphasised that the PPP's mission was to protect the river, stating:​ “Our mission was to save Sindhu, and we have saved it together. We will not allow Gujrat's butcher Modi to choke the throat of Sindhu. We do not want war, but we will fight anyone who attacks Sindhu.”​

Reflecting on the PPP's history, Bilawal recalled how the party and the public collectively restored democracy and ousted two military dictators. He honoured the legacy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who championed workers' rights, and reiterated the party's commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including workers, students, youth, women, and minorities.​

He also addressed the controversy surrounding the construction of new canals in Sindh while revealing that during the caretaker government's tenure, decisions were made to build new canals, and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) issued certificates claiming an abundance of water. However, upon assuming office, PPP representatives, including Jam Khan Shoro, opposed these plans, arguing that they would harm Sindh's water resources.​

He praised President Asif Ali Zardari for his firm stance against the canal projects, stating that Zardari had made it clear in a joint parliamentary session that such projects posed a threat to Sindh and should be halted.​

Bilawal expressed gratitude to civil society and lawyers for their support in the movement to protect Sindh's water rights. He also condemned India's stance on the Indus Water Treaty, asserting that Pakistan would not accept any unilateral changes.​

The PPP chairman concluded by reiterating the party's commitment to democracy, peace, and the protection of Sindh's interests, urging all stakeholders to unite in safeguarding the province's resources and rights.​