KARACHI: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has voiced his frustration with the PML-N government, accusing it of sidelining his party during key legislative processes and failing to accord the PPP due respect. Despite being part of the coalition, Bilawal expressed his discontent over unmet agreements and the perceived disrespect towards his party.
In an informal conversation with reporters at Bilawal House, Bilawal criticized the PML-N for reneging on commitments made after the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. He hinted at a possible review of the PPP’s eight-month alliance with the PML-N-led government during the upcoming Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, where he plans to present the “facts and ground realities” to party leaders for future strategy decisions.
Bilawal offered a critical assessment of the PML-N government’s performance, questioning its effectiveness in areas such as security, political stability, and internet policy. He raised concerns over the handling of key national issues and emphasized that politics is about respect, which he feels is lacking in the current coalition.
Recalling the process of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, Bilawal noted that the PPP was ignored during crucial consultations and was only asked to vote in favor of the legislation after the government had completed the formalities independently. He expressed his frustration over this treatment, stating that it felt disrespectful.
Bilawal also explained his withdrawal from the judicial commission in protest when the PML-N allegedly backed out of agreed terms for equal representation in the commission. He criticized the government’s security policy amid growing terrorism attacks, particularly in Balochistan, and called for a new national action plan to combat terrorism.
Highlighting the recent attacks on Chinese nationals, Bilawal stressed the need for the government to go beyond lip service and take concrete actions to fight terrorism. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with international partners to expose the international network of terror and called for a National Action Plan 2.0 to address the issue domestically.
Taking a jibe at the government’s internet security policy, Bilawal pointed out that those making decisions were not even aware of basic technology and its tools. He criticized the lack of discussion and input from the PPP on such matters and highlighted the potential economic benefits of technology and agriculture sectors, which he believes are being hindered by current government policies.
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