Chairman PPP avoids tough questions on Sindh but supports new province in Punjab.

“Pakistan cannot move forward if political parties cannot even talk to each other.”

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Tuesday that he supports the creation of a new province in Punjab, but only where all political parties already agree. He avoided commenting on new provinces in Sindh and other areas, saying the priority should be places where consensus already exists.

Bilawal was speaking to media bureau chiefs during a four-day visit to Lahore, where he is meeting party workers and planning major changes inside the PPP’s Punjab organisation.

What Did Bilawal Say About the New Province?

Bilawal confirmed that the Punjab Assembly has already passed a resolution supporting a new province.
He said:

• New provinces should be made step by step, not by announcing “20 provinces at once”.
• If proposals for new provinces already exist, then action should be taken immediately.
• The Constitution should not be changed again and again without careful thought.

He also said that Sindh has a stronger local government system compared to Punjab’s system.

Why Is Bilawal Praising Punjab Government Yet Criticising It?

Bilawal praised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying she is doing a good job.
But at the same time, he also sent a message that:

• PPP’s allies in Punjab are not being given enough political space
• The Governor of Punjab has limited resources and powers
• If PPP had delayed local body elections in Sindh like Punjab did, “people would have taken us to task”

His comments were polite, but the complaints were clear.

How Bilawal Sees Political Reconciliation

Bilawal strongly said that political conflicts must end and reconciliation is the only way forward.

He stated:

• Pakistan cannot have stability if leaders cannot even sit together
• No party should be banned, instead, political space should be given to all
• Dialogue and compromise are necessary to end today’s political tensions

Bilawal also said he has no personal issues with PTI founder Imran Khan, though he disagrees with his methods.

“If parties don’t talk, crises will grow; especially in Punjab.”

Bilawal warned that if political instability increases in Punjab, it will create problems for the whole country.
He also said PPP is willing to take steps towards reconciliation, but “the situation repeatedly worsens from the other side”.

Touching on Past Politics

Bilawal:

• Mentioned that PPP introduced the first successful vote of no confidence in Pakistan’s history against Imran Khan
• Claimed PTI kept a “confrontational attitude” even after the vote
• Said that governance in KP under PTI “failed”, and this made political negotiation even harder

He also recalled visiting Nawaz Sharif in jail, but said that once Nawaz was released, criticism from PML-N resumed.

Bilawal’s Visit to Punjab

Bilawal is in Lahore for a four-day visit, where PPP is expected to reorganise 63 district and divisional positions.
He said he visits Punjab, but sometimes “it is still not tolerated”.

When asked whether he would visit Imran Khan in Adiala Jail like he visited Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat, Bilawal replied jokingly, drawing laughter.