Bilawal Bhutto Urges Federal Govt to Immediately Appeal for International Aid for Flood Victims

Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman **Bilawal Bhutto Zardari** has called on the **federal government** to immediately launch an appeal for **international assistance** through global institutions to support the millions affected by recent floods across the country.

In a message posted on social media platform **X**, Bilawal said that **delaying an appeal under the United Nations system is incomprehensible**, and depriving millions of Pakistanis of critical international aid cannot be justified.

“We welcome the federal government’s declaration of a **climate and agricultural emergency** following PPP’s demand,” Bilawal said, “but it is regrettable that no relief has yet been announced under the **Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)** for flood-hit areas of **Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab**, and particularly **South Punjab**.”

He added that **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** had personally assured him of support through BISP, yet no concrete steps have been taken so far.

Bilawal reminded the government that appeals for international assistance are **standard practice in such disasters**, as was the case during the **2022 floods**, when he served as **Foreign Minister**. Similar appeals were made during the **2010 floods** and the **2005 earthquake**, he said, noting that countries usually seek global help within the **first 72 hours** of a major calamity.

The PPP chairman announced that his party would be presenting **resolutions in all provincial assemblies, the National Assembly, and the Senate** to demand immediate action for flood victims.

He also revealed that after visiting affected regions in **Central Punjab, South Punjab, and Sindh**, he held meetings with the **Sindh Chief Minister and the provincial agriculture minister**, where they discussed provincial-level support for the **agriculture community**, which he said is the **most severely impacted sector**.

President Asif Ali Zardari Expresses Solidarity with Flood Victims

President **Asif Ali Zardari** expressed deep **sympathy and solidarity** with flood victims in South Punjab, noting that **thousands have been displaced** and livelihoods severely affected. He emphasized the need to **intensify rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts** in collaboration with **provincial governments, armed forces, and welfare organizations**.

He acknowledged massive losses to **agriculture and livestock**, and reiterated that the recently declared **agricultural emergency**, made at the request of Bilawal Bhutto, aims to **protect farmers and ensure food security**.

Zardari assured that the government would mobilize all available resources to meet both **immediate needs** and support **long-term recovery** in affected areas. He also called for **national unity** in the face of the crisis.

### Asifa Bhutto Zardari: Demand for Free Electricity and Immediate Relief

**Asifa Bhutto Zardari**, speaking on the issue, reiterated that Bilawal Bhutto had demanded the **waiver of electricity bills** in flood-hit areas and **immediate financial support** for affected families through BISP.

She confirmed that the PPP would move resolutions in **all legislative forums** to ensure comprehensive support and international engagement for **flood-affected communities** across Pakistan.