Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged the federal government to reconsider its plans for constructing new canals on the Indus River, citing concerns over potential conflicts.
In a video statement, Bilawal warned that the project could lead to disputes if the concerns of Sindh and Balochistan are not addressed. He emphasized, “Do not initiate projects that become controversial like the Kalabagh Dam,” and called for the inclusion of all stakeholders in decision-making processes.
He stressed the importance of provincial consensus for the success of initiatives like the Green Pakistan project, warning that imposing decisions without agreement could lead to political instability and harm the economy.
Bilawal also declined a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, citing concerns raised by voters and provincial governments. He clarified that his decision was based on the PPP’s grievances with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) over administrative issues in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The PPP leader further criticized the federal government’s handling of development plans in Sindh and Balochistan, particularly its approach to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). In response, Bilawal announced the formation of a committee to raise these concerns with the federal government.
The PPP’s position underscores the growing tensions between the federal government and provincial stakeholders over key development and administrative matters.
