‘Something Is Amiss Between Government and Establishment,’ Says Bilawal Bhutto

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has alleged that “something is amiss” between the government and the establishment, saying that the matter would eventually come to light.

Speaking to the media after meeting National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Islamabad, Bilawal said the PPP would not cooperate with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) until its concerns were addressed and justice was provided.

He said the PPP would, however, engage with the government if approached for talks, but cooperation would remain conditional on resolving the party’s grievances.

No cooperation with PML-N until grievances resolved

Bilawal said it was the PPP’s decision not to coordinate with the PML-N or support legislation until its concerns were resolved.

“Any legislation that serves the national interest will be supported, but there will be no cooperation otherwise,” he said.

He added that if the government was confident that it did not need the PPP, there was no issue. However, he maintained that if there was something happening behind the scenes, it would become evident sooner or later.

Regarding the creation of new provinces, Bilawal said the PPP would stand with the people and respect their opinion. Any proposal reached through consensus and supported by the people would receive the party’s backing.

He said the PPP had never accepted anything through force and would not do so in the future. He also pointed to regions that had been seeking recognition of their constitutional rights for a long time.

Calls for electoral reforms

Bilawal said Parliament and political parties should focus on their responsibilities and address complaints regarding alleged electoral rigging.

He noted that allegations of electoral irregularities were being raised not only by opposition parties but also from government benches.

He said efforts should be made to address such complaints before future elections so that the credibility of the electoral process could be strengthened.

Imran Khan’s hospital transfer

Commenting on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan to a hospital, Bilawal said government ministers and senior PML-N politicians had welcomed the verdict.

However, he said it would have been better if the government had taken the initiative before the court’s decision, adding that the PPP did not want to politicise anyone’s illness.

Bilawal reiterated that he was not focused on an in-house change and wanted Parliament to perform its constitutional role.

Criticism of AJK elections

Discussing the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bilawal said the sensitive region should have witnessed undisputed and peaceful elections.

He claimed there had been concerns about law and order in several constituencies, including Bhimber and Mirpur, and alleged that PPP candidates had been attacked and a party worker had been shot.

He said several constituencies still had elections pending and warned that if the PML-N wanted a controversial election followed by a controversial government, it was free to do so.

Bilawal said the PPP would sit on the opposition benches in Azad Kashmir.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission proposed

Bilawal also called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, particularly in connection with the situation in Kashmir.

He said such a commission would provide a mechanism for society and stakeholders to address grievances, ensuring that the innocent receive justice and those found responsible are held accountable.

He urged protesters to return home peacefully once such a mechanism was established, while saying the government should also provide assurances regarding their safety and rights.

Warns of external threats

Bilawal further alleged that the BLA, TTP and other elements were involved in conspiracies against Pakistan, while accusing the Israeli government and India of pursuing hostile agendas against Pakistan and Iran.

He said India had failed during Operation Sindoor and was now allegedly pursuing conspiracies through other means.

He stressed that Pakistan needed greater internal stability and unity in view of the challenges facing the country.

Bilawal also called for attention to the rising prices of petroleum products, saying the government needed to consider the impact of increasing fuel costs on the public.