Bilawal Bhutto urges govt to focus on public issues
Liaquat Ali
Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari this week expressed his discontent with the politics of hate and urged the government to shift its focus from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to addressing public issues.
“The people of Pakistan are not interested in the politics of hatred. They want solutions to their problems. Our information department should also focus on resolving issues, not on what Imran Khan is doing. It makes no difference to people; he has his own cases to deal with,” Bilawal said while speaking at a meeting of the PPP’s parliamentary party in Sindh.
The PPP chairman emphasised the importance of genuine democratic behaviour, warning that the absence of such an approach leads to continual losses. “We must focus on our work. It is our responsibility to deliver performance,” he added.
Acknowledging the high expectations of the public, Bilawal said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has apprised him of the challenging economic situation and uncertainty regarding funds from the federal government for various projects
“We will make every effort [to address these challenges]. I know Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will fulfil his promise and resolve these issues before the budget,” he added.
He stressed the need to improve services within limited resources. “We must concentrate on enhancing our services with the resources we have.”
Bilawal highlighted the PPP’s historic success and called for relentless effort to meet public expectations. “Our ministers must work diligently and visibly.”
He urged an end to the politics of transfers and postings, emphasising the selection of competent individuals to improve performance. “We must give our teams the opportunity to complete their tasks.”
The former foreign minister warned against internal conflicts affecting party and government performance. “During elections, I refrained from discussing this, but now it should not impact our performance.”
Expressing dismay over the prevalent politics of hate in the country, Bilawal said, “The public is very disappointed with the politics of hate happening in Islamabad, and truthfully, this kind of politics is prevalent across the country. The government, assembly, and everyone should focus on public issues and be their voice. We will work together to find solutions.”
He expressed full confidence in the Sindh police’s capability to combat terrorism. “Our regional circumstances are directly linked to our crime situation.”
Concluding his address, Bilawal mentioned instructing the chief minister to review cabinet performance every six months. “We will review reports like a school assessment. I will take reports from the chief minister on all ministers. All members should maintain public contact, ministers should be accessible, and specific days should be allocated for public availability.”
He directed ministers to ensure that party organisations and workers have no complaints about their interactions with assembly members or ministers. “If they want to meet you, be available. If they have any work, make an effort to assist them.”
