PESHAWAR: In a recent press conference held in Peshawar, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government for errors that he believes have led to the resurgence of terrorism in the country.
Highlighting the increase in terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, Bhutto-Zardari pointed to the PTI government’s actions, stating that the armed forces had previously dismantled terrorist networks until the PTI made “grave mistakes.”
The former foreign minister specifically criticized the KP government, accusing it of facilitating terrorists instead of eliminating them. “If its ministers, officials, former chief minister, and ex-speaker are admitting that they paid the terrorist outfits, if KP’s resources are used to fund them then how can we expect to effectively fight them,” Bhutto-Zardari stated. He urged the KP government to actively address the issue of terrorism.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed support for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to host an all-parties conference (APC) to discuss the newly launched anti-terror operation, Azm-e-Istehkam. The operation aims to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan and regain the confidence of political parties.
Although a date for the APC has not yet been announced, Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the importance of national unity on security issues. “When it comes to national security, partisan politics should not be exercised,” he said, reaffirming PPP’s support for the armed forces.
Addressing other national issues, Bhutto-Zardari urged the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to consult allies and stakeholders in decision-making processes. He lamented that the PML-N did not seek PPP’s input on the federal budget, despite an agreement to consult each other as coalition partners. Bhutto-Zardari criticized the budget for being tax-heavy and burdensome on the poor, stressing the need for financial relief to create a welfare state.
Bhutto-Zardari concluded by expressing hope that the APC would lead to substantial discussions and emphasized the necessity of avoiding past mistakes in addressing economic, foreign affairs, and security challenges.
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