Bilawal hints at governor's rule in K-P

Despite four days in Punjab, no formal meeting took place between two sides

LAHORE:

As the PPP chairman concluded his four-day stay in the provincial capital, during which he praised the Punjab chief minister, Maryam Nawaz reciprocated by extending a warm welcome to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, conveying her heartfelt good wishes and prayers.

Taking to the microblogging website, Maryam welcomed Bilawal on his visit, telling him that Punjab is his home and that he will always find a place of respect there. She also thanked him for his gracious remarks.

During his visit, Bilawal lauded Maryam for her leadership and governance and even invited her to contest elections from Sindh. However, the praise for the Punjab government appeared to be merely a garnish on a main course of veiled criticism. Despite staying for four days in Punjab, neither side reached out to the other for a formal meeting, which is otherwise customary between natural allies.

The PPP chairman visited Chiniot on Thursday to offer condolences to General Secretary PPP Central Punjab, Hassan Murtaza, on the passing of his father.

Responding to media questions, Bilawal again hinted at the possibility of governor rule in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, while denying any formal discussion with PML-N on the issue. He warned, however, that the prevailing situation might compel the government to take action.

Bilawal said that people are facing economic hardships. While he acknowledged that the government's claims of improving the economy are true to some extent, he noted that much more needs to be done. He stressed the need to focus on exports and said the PPP believes that the federal and provincial governments are not supporting the agriculture sector adequately.

Regarding the conviction of Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, he described it as a historic verdict, stating that the former general had been sentenced to 14 years. "I think more trials will also be conducted regarding different crimes committed by him," he said.

Bilawal recalled witnessing two "pharaohs" in his political life: Imran Khan, who as prime minister threatened people with jail, even targeting women from political opponents' families such as Faryal Talpur and Maryam Nawaz, and Gen Faiz, who he said was intoxicated by power and, in violation of his oath, targeted politicians, media owners, and others. "Now they are being held responsible for their actions," he added.

On the 27th Amendment, Bilawal said that the PPP views it as fulfilling one of the key points of the Charter of Democracy (CoD). "This was promised in the CoD, and the PPP had long demanded the establishment of a constitutional court with equal representation from all federating units," he said, noting that the chief justice of the constitutional court is from South Punjab, calling it "a triumph for our ideology".

He added that the PPP prevented any changes to the NFC Award, describing it as another major victory. The NFC Award, protected under the 18th Amendment, ensures financial security for the provinces. "If changes had been made, Punjab would have suffered the most," he said. The PPP chairman acknowledged the federal government's financial difficulties but noted that the government has not approached the PPP regarding the 28th Amendment or the creation of new provinces.

Bilawal emphasized that the people of any province or city are not responsible for these financial challenges. "The responsibility lies with bureaucrats in Islamabad," he said, pointing out that the FBR consistently misses its revenue targets. "Why should the people bear the burden of the weaknesses and mistakes of the FBR?"

President arrives in Lahore

President Asif Zardari arrived in Lahore, where he is expected to stay for a few days. During his visit, there have been rumors of a potential meeting between PPP and PML-N leadership; however, no official or unofficial confirmation has come from either side.