Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for a united national response to the devastating floods in Punjab. He urged the federal and provincial governments to rise above political differences and prioritise relief efforts.
During a visit to flood-affected areas in Kasur on Friday, Bilawal stressed that the scale of the disaster demands joint action, saying no single provincial government can tackle the crisis alone.
“This is not a time for political point-scoring. Natural disasters demand national unity. We must all come together to help our people rebuild their lives,” he said.
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Acknowledging the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the PPP chairman praised her dedication during the emergency and called on the federal government to play a lead role in providing aid and infrastructure support.
“CM Maryam is working hard in difficult circumstances, and that must be recognised. But the federal government must also play its part, just as it did during previous floods,” he said.
Bilawal appealed for the declaration of an agricultural emergency in Punjab, pointing to extensive crop losses and widespread damage to the province’s rural economy.
He also urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to extend subsidies through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and provide relief to the farmers in the form of seed, fertiliser, and electricity bill support.
“Punjab’s agricultural sector is in crisis. Farmers need immediate help with inputs and loan relief. We cannot afford to damage the backbone of our economy,” he added.
The PPP chairman criticised the Indian government for failing to uphold the Indus Waters Treaty, besides releasing excessive water exacerbating the flooding in Pakistan.
“India’s refusal to share timely water data is a violation of international law and a threat to millions of lives. This is not just a breach of the Indus Waters Treaty — it is an attack on the Indus river system itself. This is water terrorism,” he said.
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He added that Pakistan would raise the matter at international forums and expressed confidence that India would eventually be compelled to either honour the treaty or return Pakistan’s rightful share of the rivers.
Bilawal said his party stands ready to assist in both the relief and rehabilitation phases, and has instructed PPP members to fully support the Punjab government’s efforts.
“We built two million houses in Sindh with federal support after the floods. With unity and commitment, we can do the same for Punjab,” he concluded.
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