Islamabad, March 11, 2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stressed the need for national consensus on water distribution policies, warning against unilateral decisions regarding new canal projects on the Indus River.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament House, Bilawal backed President Asif Ali Zardari’s warning to the government, emphasizing that any decisions on Indus water management should involve all provinces to ensure fairness and sustainability.
Bilawal highlighted growing concerns over water shortages, climate change, and fair resource allocation, insisting that the Indus River system is Pakistan’s lifeline. He urged the government to heed President Zardari’s concerns and ensure that any new water infrastructure projects are transparent and inclusive.
He dismissed claims that PPP had remained silent on the issue, pointing out that senior party leader Nawab Yousuf Talpur had previously raised concerns in parliament about mismanagement in canal development.
Bilawal also accused opposition parties of using the water distribution issue for political point-scoring, emphasizing that such national matters should be handled responsibly.
Shifting focus to security concerns, Bilawal criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government for failing to control the worsening security situation.
“If the provincial government fails to take effective action, the federal government will have to step in,” he warned, announcing that PPP and PML-N would consult on the security crisis and determine the next steps.
He pointed out that despite rising incidents of terrorism and lawlessness, the K-P chief minister has not visited affected areas. He stressed that maintaining security is not just a provincial responsibility but also a federal obligation if the situation continues to deteriorate.
On the economic front, Bilawal expressed optimism that inflation was stabilizing and economic indicators were showing positive trends. He credited the collaborative efforts between political parties for the improving economic conditions and reaffirmed PPP’s readiness to work with the government for further stability.
He revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reassured PPP that its concerns would be addressed, particularly in budget planning and resource allocation. He suggested that PPP and PML-N should jointly draft the upcoming budget, ensuring that it reflects the needs of all provinces.
Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan must acknowledge the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, urging the government to develop a long-term water management strategy.
He concluded by warning against short-term, politically motivated decisions on crucial issues like water and security, stressing that Pakistan’s economic future, food security, and environmental stability depend on responsible governance of natural resources.
