PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme during the National Assembly budget debate. He called criticism of the programme shameful and urged its expansion. His remarks carry significance for millions of beneficiaries and Pakistan’s broader economic stability efforts.
Speaking on the federal budget for FY2026-27, Bilawal described BISP as both an economic and national security initiative. He said international institutions recognize the programme as a successful model. Furthermore, he welcomed increased budget allocations and pledged continued support despite political criticism.
Bilawal argued that sustainable economic growth depends on stronger social protection measures. He said Pakistan’s progress is linked to improvements in the lives of workers and farmers. He also highlighted the country’s continued dependence on borrowing and stressed the need for long-term economic reforms.
Meanwhile, the PPP chairman welcomed the recent US-Iran agreement and praised Pakistan’s leadership for supporting regional peace. He said stability encourages investment, creates jobs, and promotes development. However, he warned that challenges remain, including security concerns along the Afghan border and tensions with India.
Bilawal also emphasized the need to address Gilgit-Baltistan’s constitutional issues. He thanked the region’s people for their support and renewed his call for constitutional rights and parliamentary representation. Additionally, he noted that provinces have sacrificed development spending to support national economic and defence requirements amid fiscal pressures.