LARKANA: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday criticized the federal government’s “unilateral approach” to water resource management, urging for consensus-based policies to prevent controversy. Speaking in Ratodero, Bhutto-Zardari expressed concerns over recent decisions to build canals, drawing parallels with the controversial Kalabagh Dam project. He said such decisions overlooked the rights of smaller provinces and emphasized the importance of respecting the 1991 accord to avoid deepening provincial discord.
Bhutto-Zardari also accused the PML-N-led government of neglecting provincial rights in development policies and criticized amendments to the Indus River System Authority agreement as exceeding the government’s authority. He called for inclusive policymaking.
On internet issues, Bhutto-Zardari voiced frustration over slow internet speeds and the government’s failure to address the issue. He emphasized that digital infrastructure is essential for economic growth and criticized the government’s response to internet disruptions. He also highlighted the importance of improving internet access for youth development and e-commerce.
He reiterated that water is a fundamental right for all provinces and condemned the PML-N for not fulfilling commitments regarding the PSDP. Bhutto-Zardari emphasized that PPP would continue prioritizing public welfare, including access to clean water and equitable resource allocation, despite limited resources. He also condemned recent US lawmakers’ comments on Pakistan’s internal politics, calling them politically motivated.
