Bilawal Bhutto Urges Federal Government to Reconsider Flood Relief Policies, Calls for Agricultural Emergency

Karachi: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has urged the federal government to revise its flood relief policies and extend support to farmers through the **Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP)**, as was done during previous floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi, Bilawal stressed that relief must directly reach farmers, particularly in southern Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit-Baltistan. *“Today, the question is not what you will do tomorrow, but what you are doing now for the flood-hit farmers,”* he said.

He announced that the Sindh government has launched the **Benazir Hari Card** to support small farmers, including subsidies for DAP and urea fertilizers, as well as assistance for wheat growers to reduce reliance on imports. *“Instead of spending Pakistan’s money on wheat imports, we should invest in our farmers and eventually move toward exports,”* he added.

Bilawal urged the federal government to declare an **agricultural emergency** and negotiate with the IMF to secure relief measures, including support for wheat procurement and tax concessions for farmers.

He also called for immediate **international aid appeals**, stating that while rescue and relief are the first phase, proper rehabilitation must follow. He reminded that during Sindh’s floods, homes were built for victims with federal support, and the same should be replicated in other provinces.

Commenting on the **Pakistan-Saudi defense agreement**, Bilawal welcomed the pact, describing it as widely praised. On Palestine, he noted that the strong stance taken at the UN General Assembly showed the growing impact of the Palestinian struggle.

Bilawal also touched upon political, economic, and regional issues, including NFC Award reforms, Karachi’s civic problems, pensioners’ concerns, and the situation in Balochistan. He reiterated that terrorism remains the biggest challenge, but affirmed: *“This is not a military solution; however, we will defeat terrorism.”*

The PPP Chairman concluded by emphasizing cooperation with the federal government, while insisting that more resources should be devolved to provinces, in line with the spirit of the 18th Amendment.