ISLAMABAD, May 14: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday said that the government had not contacted him or his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, regarding a constitutional amendment.
His remarks came amid media reports about the government’s intention to have the 28th constitutional amendment passed by parliament.
“President Zardari and I remain in contact with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, but the government has not contacted the PPP regarding any constitutional amendment,” the PPP chief said at a press conference after chairing the parliamentary party meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad.
Responding to questions, Bilawal said that without the PPP, the passage of constitutional amendments and the federal budget would not be possible.
“The PPP’s role in the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments is evident to everyone. We did not allow the rights of the provinces to be reduced; instead, we expanded them. Through our amendments, Balochistan’s representation in the Senate increased,” he added.
Bilawal said the people of the country were facing severe hardships due to inflation. He noted that the PPP was continuously raising these issues at both the federal and provincial levels.
When the prime minister decided to provide relief to the public, the PPP welcomed the move, he said.
“Through consultation, all provinces agreed to support measures aimed at reducing inflation, including relief for motorcycle users. The PPP has helped millions of farmers through the Benazir Kisan Card,” he added.
Clarifying the PPP’s stance on national issues, he said the party stood with the government on every constitutional amendment and national matter.
Referring to tensions with India, he said that during the war he raised his voice on international media platforms in defence of the country as a patriot.
The PPP chairman added that during Iran-US tensions, the PPP fully supported the federal government. “As Pakistanis, we are united on such matters,” he added.
Bilawal said economic difficulties appeared to be increasing rather than decreasing, and the upcoming budget was likely to be challenging, adding that the government would have to take relief-oriented decisions while keeping economic hardships in mind.
Regarding the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments, the PPP chairman said the party had clearly conveyed its position to the government that, historically, the PPP had sought the abolition of NAB.
“Due to the government’s compulsions, the PPP supported the new amendments, but if the government failed to fulfil its commitments to the PPP, the party can reconsider its decisions,” he said.
He said the economic situation remained serious and that hardships were expected to increase further. “Even if an Iran-US agreement is reached, difficulties would persist,” he feared.
Bilawal stressed that the government should prepare the budget while taking economic challenges into account. He announced that the PPP’s senior committee would present its budget proposals to the government.
For this purpose, a four-member team comprising Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Saleem Mandviwalla, Sherry Rehman, and Naveed Qamar has been formed.
Bilawal said PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir were making efforts for peace and for ending Iran-US tensions.
“We want the situation to return to normal, after which we will discuss the government’s performance and promises,” he added.
He further said Pakistan’s foreign policy was moving in the right direction and was being shaped in the national interest.
