LARKANA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has unveiled a public charter to “revive and reimagine” the economy and lead towards an “inclusive Pakistan”.

Naming it ‘Awami Muashi Muahida’, Mr Bhutto-Zardari unveiled the document at a gathering at Larkana’s Begum Nusrat Bhutto Library on Tuesday.

He added that the country was facing historic inflation with the highest unemployment and poverty, which had eroded the working class’ earnings.

“Every citizen, particularly the poor, vulnerable and youth, have never felt so uncertain about the present and so anxious about their future,” the PPP leader said, adding that the prices of food items, electricity and fuel have increased astronomically.

He lamented that the poorest 10 per cent of the population was working for as low as Rs14,500 per month and 93m people — almost 40pc of the population — were living below the poverty line, with 15m added between 2018 and 2023.

Says Awami Muashi Muahida to lead towards ‘inclusive Pakistan’

Pointing towards the economic and climate crises, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said the impact of these challenges was far bigger than the size of our economy.

He added that Pakistan’s 241m people are at risk of perpetual floods and droughts.

“We must focus on climate resilience, adaptation and energy transition. We must put ordinary working people, women, men, and the youth at the centre stage.”

The PPP leader pledged to build at least 3m climate-resilient homes and allotted to the women heads of household. He also promised to regularise katchi abadis and expand the Benazir Income Support Programme by including financial support for education, businesses and health.

He pledged to reform tenancy and labour laws and provide a free 1,000-day nutritional programme for expectant/new mothers to decrease stunting, wasting and infant mortality.

‘Youngest PM’

In a separate address in Naudero, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said PPP’s government, formed after winning the February 8 general elections, would address economic issues and terrorism.

He reiterated his commitment to do as much as possible for the prosperity and well-being of the people.

He was addressing party workers and office-bearers at a reception at the Bhutto House.

“You elected us in 2018 and sent us to the National Assembly, so I exposed the selected raj to the world,” he said while referring to the previous PTI government.

He talked about the economic crisis and law and order situation and said the impact of the situation in Afghanistan was visible across the country.

“People are bearing the brunt of these consequences. They have no idea that due to the decisions taken in Islamabad, they have to bear the burden of record inflation, unemployment and poverty.”

The PPP chairman expressed concern over the politics of hate and division.

Addressing the workers, he said Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto became prime ministers due to their support.“I became the country’s young foreign minister when you supported me. Now, I will become the youngest prime minister of the country.”

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2024