Bilawal demands immediate support for flood victims, farmers 

KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasized the need for immediate relief to farmers and flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

He announced that the Sindh government will support small farmers through the Benazir Hari Card initiative, while urging the federal government to step up its role to expand assistance.

Addressing a press conference at Chief Minister House Karachi, Bilawal stressed that the federal government must approach the IMF under an agricultural emergency to secure support for wheat procurement, subsidy prices, and tax relief for farmers.

He argued that spending foreign reserves on wheat imports was unsustainable, and investing in local farmers could turn Pakistan into an exporter instead of an importer.

Highlighting BISP as Pakistan’s most successful welfare initiative, he pointed out that most beneficiaries are from Punjab and that even PML-N leaders have praised the program in the past. If they oppose it now, he said, it is a clear U-turn.

He questioned the federal government’s reluctance to appeal for international aid, noting that previous governments always sought global support during crises. On Balochistan and terrorism, Bilawal maintained that while there is no military solution, political and economic measures must be taken urgently.

Speaking on Karachi’s issues, he underscored that water scarcity is the top priority, with multiple initiatives including the Hub Canal underway. He also acknowledged the federal government’s cooperation and thanked Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for their support.