Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to exempt farmers in disaster-hit districts from electricity bills. The appeal came after Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to flood-affected areas of Kasur, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by local farmers. He later contacted the prime minister by phone to convey their concerns and highlight the need for immediate relief measures.
Sources confirmed that Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the severe damage caused to Punjab’s agricultural sector by the recent floods. He stressed that the federal government, in coordination with the provincial government, must take urgent steps to support farmers during this crisis.
The PPP chairman also drew attention to the repayment of agricultural loans, calling for either their waiver or deferral to ease the burden on farming communities. Furthermore, he requested that cash support be extended to affected farmers through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).
In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Bhutto-Zardari that the federal government would take all necessary steps to support farmers in the flood-affected areas of Punjab. He reiterated that service and welfare are deeply rooted in Pakistan’s social values and said the government is committed to ensuring relief and rehabilitation for those impacted.
Meanwhile, in a separate message marking the International Day of Charity, Prime Minister Shehbaz praised the spirit of philanthropy among Pakistanis. He noted that the country has consistently extended help beyond barriers of race or background, contributing significantly to global donations.
He highlighted the role of institutions like BISP and Bait-ul-Mal in supporting millions and stressed that recent floods have made aid and donations even more crucial. The premier reaffirmed that federal and provincial governments, alongside the armed forces and civil society, are actively engaged in relief operations to provide food, shelter, and healthcare to affected communities.
