Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to exercise greater control over his cabinet, warning that unresolved differences could create further political challenges. Speaking in the National Assembly, Bilawal said the prime minister’s efforts to engage allies and opposition parties were commendable. However, he stressed that the actions and statements of some federal ministers were undermining those efforts.
Bilawal said the government had worked politically to address issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, but a federal minister had aggravated tensions instead of helping resolve them. He criticised remarks regarding the identity of Rawalakot residents and said the minister concerned had not shown willingness to apologise. According to Bilawal, such statements make cooperation between coalition partners more difficult.
The PPP chairman also questioned comments allegedly made by another minister regarding parliamentary seats. He argued that coalition politics requires mutual respect and responsible conduct from all partners. Bilawal maintained that Prime Minister Shehbaz seeks to move the country forward through consensus, but inconsistent messaging from cabinet members creates unnecessary obstacles.
Turning to Karachi, Bilawal rejected criticism directed solely at the PPP and said coalition partners within the federal cabinet should also be held accountable. He claimed agreements reached under the Pakistan Democratic Movement framework were delayed by ministers belonging to allied parties. He challenged coalition partners to prioritise Karachi’s development over political positions if they believed the city’s issues were not being addressed.
Bilawal also called for stronger local government systems across the country and urged authorities to hold local body elections where they remain pending. He said local governments are functioning in provinces governed by the PPP and reiterated support for democratic decentralisation. Concluding his speech, he urged the government to secure budget approval before Ashura and expressed hope that Prime Minister Shehbaz would succeed in addressing the country’s challenges.