MITHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zar­d­ari has asserted that PPP is the only party that has the capability to bri­ng stability in the country by taking along all political stakeholders.

He advised his opponents to rely on their own political strategies and refrain from seeking ‘external support’ in elections, while also declaring that PPP is well capable of navigating political terrains even otherwise.

The PPP chairman expressed these views on Tuesday while addressing a press conference, a day after addressing a public gathering in Mithi.

Highlighting the public support demonstrated in the Mithi power show, Mr Bhutto-Zardari credited the PPP-led Sindh government’s performance in Tharparkar region over the past several years for it.

Says PPP is key catalyst for national stability

He underscored the Thar coal pro­­ject as a testament to effective public-private partnerships, citing UNDP and World Bank data revealing a 50 per cent reduction in mat­e­rnal and child mortality rates in Thar­­parkar. He said the PPP government invested in the health sector, and brought about a change that was visible on ground. Initiatives such as cash transfer programmes for mothers resulted in improvement not only in maternal health but also child development.

Karachi-Thar railway line

The PPP chairman pledged to extend the development journey further if the PPP secured the next government, promising initiatives like a Karachi-Tharparkar railway line for efficient coal transportation and improved travel facilities.

As for concerns about the caretaker government potentially hindering development projects, Mr Bhutto-Zardari urged continuity in policies initiated by the previous PPP-led Sindh government.

He said that during the previous governments, his party had differences with the centre on several issues. “There were differences on different issues, including rehabilitation plans for the flood victims, and such differences led to a few difficulties,” he said.

Responding to questions about the caretaker set-up in Sindh,

Mr Bhutto-Zardari expressed confidence in Justice Maqbool Baqir’s integrity and called for a fair approach in Sindh’s transfer postings.

Answering a question on education, the PPP chairman acknowledged the nationwide neglect of the sector. Education had not been given as much attention as it should get, he said.

“But we have started work on the NED University in Thar, colleges will be set up in different districts, and steps are being taken to train teachers,” he said.

Regarding mental health, Mr Bhutto-Zardari outlined plans for a large institution in Karachi, collaborating with the private sector to provide facilities akin to NICVD across all districts, particularly focusing on addressing mental health issues leading to suicides.

People-centric governance

Sharing his experience as a part of the previous coalition government, Mr Bhutto-Zardari expressed concerns about the gap between Islamabad’s bure­aucracy and ground realities. He reiterated PPP’s commitment to people-centric governance and underscored the importance of democratic progress.

He stressed that decisions by the coalition were made in the national interest, putting behind all political considerations. He clarified that the PPP had no conflicts with any institution at present, advocating for constructive dialogue in the polarised political landscape.

Commenting on a recent visit of a PML-N team to Sindh, the PPP chairman said, “When they [PML-N] were in government, they used to come on aerial visits. We believe that every province should be given attention, and we will welcome them (in Sindh).”

Mr Bhutto-Zardari also said that the PML-N should have focused on Balochistan long ago, not just ahead of general elections.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2023