Bilawal stresses political unity amid economic crisis triggered by US-Israeli war on Iran

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday stressed political unity in the country amid the economic crisis triggered by the US-Israeli war on Iran.

He made the remarks while speaking in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the 47th death anniversary of PPP founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

“We feel that there should be consensus in Pakistan and political differences should be kept aside in order to work together,” he said.

He also appreciated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi for constructively participating in consultations held with the president and the prime minister. He thanked Afridi for participating in the meetings, and playing a “positive role” in the process.

“Together, the Centre, provinces, political parties … will face these difficulties as one. If there is no division among us, there is no force in the world that can break Pakistan,” he said.

In his remarks, Bilawal had also condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying that the entire world, including Pakistan, was facing the consequences.

“This war is among the US, Israel and Iran, but its impact have been felt by Pakistanis in the form of a hike in prices of petrol and electricity,” he said.

He said that the efforts were being made by several countries, including Pakistan, to end the war. He hoped that these efforts bore fruit and that peace would prevail.

“We pray for all those forces, including the Pakistani government, who are working to achieve a ceasefire,” Bilawal said.

In his remarks, Bilawal also paid tribute to Bhutto for laying the foundation of the country’s nuclear programme. He said that “ Zionist forces, who are attacking Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, cannot look at Pakistan with evil intentions” because of the late premier.

Talking about the economic challenges being faced, he highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). He said that it could be used to provide relief to the poor, especially when the country was facing such a situation.

“In these tough times, BISP is an excellent way of providing financial support to the people. It is the sole programme which has beneficiaries in every province and district,” he said.

He said that while the federal government did not currently possess the fiscal space to increase BISP funds, the PPP was ready to work with the Centre in this regard.

He suggested that if a mini-budget was being considered, it should channel assistance through the BISP.