Daily Times

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Friday reiterated that the 18th Amendment was under threat as attacks were being launched from all the corners.

“But, we will defend it along with other opposition parties … no compromise will be made on democratic and economic rights of the provinces,” Bilawal said while addressing a public gathering on the eve of the first death anniversary of late party leader Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani at his native village Karampur.

Bilawal said the 1973 Constitution, 18th Amendment and Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) were the top achievements of the PPP. He said in 1973, the first constitution of the country was made which was abrogated by military dictator Gen Zia ul Haq but again restored due to a massive struggle by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. He said the PPP launched BISP to fulfill its slogan of ‘Roti, Kapra aur Makaan’. He said the program has helped reduce poverty in the country and has been appreciated globally. During his address, Bilawal lamented that the federal government was not implementing the 18th Amendment. “There are attempts to snatch the institutions that were established by the Sindh government. We will not only explore legal and political options to protect the 18th Amendment but will also raise the matter inside and outside the parliament,” he vowed. “We have seen a lot of difficult times and this puppet prime minister cannot create any hurdles in our way,” he added.

Bilawal questioned why Prime Minister Imran Khan ardently supports Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. “In cricket matches, it’s the umpire’s will and in politics, it is the will of the nation that decides the outcome,” he said. Criticizing the Punjab chief minister, Bilawal said, “A first-class team was prepared for Pakistan’s biggest province and what was that? Buzdar?” “There were a lot of hopefuls for the seat of Punjab chief minister but in the last minute Buzdar Sb turned up,” he continued. “What is it about Buzdar that the prime minister supports him ardently?” he questioned. Regarding the prime minister’s likening of Buzdar with ace cricketer Wasim Akram, Bilawal said, “Even Akram asks what is his fault.”

Meanwhile, former president Asif Ali Zardari called on Awami National Party leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour at his residence in Islamabad. Both leaders discussed political situation of the country and government’s plans with regard to the 18th Amendment. The former president said that people are suffering from the anti-people policies of the PTI government. “Everyone in the country is at unease due to the prevailing economic situation. People are worried over the increasing cost of living,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, February 2^nd 2019.