Chiniot: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, said on Thursday that there has been no formal discussion between the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz, but the developing situation created by the PTI is compelling the government to take action and choose from available options. One such constitutional option is governor's rule.

 

He was responding to the media after offering condolences to the General Secretary of Pakistan Peoples Party Central Punjab, Syed Hassan Murtaza, on the passing of his father at his residence.

 

Regarding the conviction of General (Retd) Faiz Hameed, he said that it is a historic verdict and that the former general has been sentenced to 14 years. He added, "I think more trials will also be conducted regarding different crimes committed by him." He said that he has witnessed two "pharaohs" in his political life. One was Imran Khan, who as Prime Minister threatened people with jail and sent several to prison. He even targeted women from political opponents' families, such as Faryal Talpur and Maryam Nawaz. "Now he is paying for his actions—what goes around comes around—and he himself is in jail." The other, he said, was General Faiz, who 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. They should seek mercy from the Almighty. This should be a message that such mistakes must not be repeated by anyone."

 

The Chairman of the PPP said that regarding the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, the PPP views it as fulfilling one of the key points of the Charter of Democracy. "This was promised in the CoD, and the PPP had long been demanding the establishment of a Constitutional Court with equal representation from all federating units." He highlighted that the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court is from South Punjab and called it "a triumph for our ideology."

 

He added that the PPP prevented any changes to the NFC Award, 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. He acknowledged the federal government's financial difficulties but noted that the federal government has not approached the PPP regarding the 28th Amendment or the creation of new provinces.

 

He emphasized that the people of any province or city are not responsible for these financial challenges: "The responsibility lies with bureaucrats in Islamabad." He pointed out that the FBR misses its revenue targets every year. "Why should the people bear the burden of the weaknesses and mistakes of the FBR?" He reiterated that the PPP has opposed, is opposing, and will continue to oppose any changes to the NFC Award under the 18th Amendment. However, as a federal party, the PPP wants to help resolve the federation's financial challenges: "We can come together to overcome these difficulties."

 

Chairman Bilawal said that people are facing economic hardships, and although the government's claim of improving the economy is true to some extent, there is still much to do. He noted that when the PDM took over, the country was close to default and unemployment was at a record high. "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government has improved the situation, and it is not true that there is no foreign investment."

 

He stressed the need to focus on exports and stated that the PPP believes the federal and provincial governments are not supporting the agriculture sector as much as they should. The PPP, he said, has tried to support small farmers owning up to 25 acres by providing them with fertilizer and pesticides, so that agriculture can progress and Pakistan can export more produce.

 

Earlier, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his condolences to PPP leader Syed Hassan Murtaza on the passing of his father, Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed his grief to Qalb Abbas, brother of the late Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, on his demise.

 

Bilawal Bhutto offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of the late Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah and prayed for patience for the bereaved family. Bilawal expressed his sorrow to the mourners Haider Abbas, Aun Abbas, and Hussain Abbas on the passing of the late Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah.

 

He also expressed his deep sadness and grief to the relatives Syed Hassan Askari, Abbas Haider, Hamza Abbas, and Syed Qaim Raza on the demise of the late Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also offered condolences to the grieving family members Syed Ghulam Abbas, Syed Muhammad Abbas, Syed Ali Aun, and Syed Ali Imran on the passing of the late Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah.