Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the federal government and provinces had reached a consensus to share the burden of extraordinary national requirements, particularly defence-related needs. Addressing the National Assembly during the budget session, he stressed that the arrangement would remain limited to a three-year framework and that no additional financial sacrifices would be sought from the provinces beyond their agreed contribution.
Bilawal emphasised that the provinces’ share under the National Finance Commission Award would remain fully protected despite the current economic challenges. He noted that provincial governments had repeatedly made difficult decisions in the national interest and continued to face serious financial constraints. According to him, cooperation between the federation and provinces had helped resolve several important issues through constitutional and democratic mechanisms.
Highlighting broader economic concerns, Bilawal warned that Pakistan’s financial model remained heavily dependent on borrowing, making sustainable economic growth increasingly important. He called for investment in long-term development projects capable of generating economic activity, strengthening productivity and reducing reliance on debt. He also pointed to the upcoming expiry of tax relief measures for tribal districts, stressing the need for a united national response to security and economic challenges.
The PPP chairman also welcomed the recently signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, describing it as a positive step towards regional peace. He congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their efforts in promoting dialogue and diplomacy. Bilawal further praised Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces, saying Pakistan understood the devastating consequences of war due to its own experiences with terrorism and instability.
Meanwhile, Bilawal strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme and criticised campaigns targeting the welfare initiative. He said the programme had earned international recognition for assisting vulnerable communities and welcomed assurances that it would continue to be strengthened. According to him, meaningful national progress cannot be achieved unless underprivileged segments of society are also given opportunities to improve their living standards.
Turning to the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal urged protesters to pursue dialogue rather than prolonged agitation, warning that continued unrest could damage both Pakistan’s image and the broader Kashmir cause. He revealed that discussions with stakeholders had made substantial progress but stressed that issues related to migrant representation must be resolved through negotiation, legislation and constitutional processes rather than pressure tactics.