Bilawal calls for political solution to avoid emergency in KP

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for a political solution to the crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), saying dialogue with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could help avert the need for measures such as an emergency.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Karachi’s first wastewater treatment plant on Saturday, Bilawal said the PPP wanted to engage with the PTI and try to persuade it to return to negotiations.

“Allow us to talk to the PTI and try to convince it to negotiate,” he said, adding that dialogue was in the interest of all provinces and democracy.

Bilawal said governor’s rule and an emergency were provided for in the Constitution, but political efforts should first be made to resolve the crisis.

“We should try to find a political solution so that there is no need for measures like an emergency,” he said.

The PPP chairman also called for keeping the political crisis separate from terrorism and matters of national interest.

“We should separate the political crisis from terrorism and matters of national interest,” he said, expressing hope that all political parties would recognise the need to do so.

Speaking about the security situation in KP, Bilawal said terrorism was being confronted in the province and Balochistan, while attacks were also taking place from Afghanistan.

He said the PPP wanted all political forces to jointly confront terrorism and not view the issue through a political lens.

Bilawal said the federal government had remained in contact with the PPP and had indicated that it was considering imposing an emergency in KP.

He called for a written agreement between the federal and KP governments on counterterrorism efforts.

Bilawal said an emergency might become necessary if terrorism could not be brought under control, but stressed that combating terrorism was a “red line” for the PPP.

“You have achieved considerable success at the political level, and your focus is on politics, while terrorism is taking place every other day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.

He warned that worsening conditions in the province could also affect Karachi.

“Political stability will enable us to combat terrorism and also undertake public welfare projects,” he said.

Bilawal also linked political stability to development in Karachi, describing the city as “mini-Pakistan” and saying its fortunes were connected with those of other provinces and cities.

“If the current situation worsens, its effects will also reach Karachi,” he said, stressing the need for political stability.

Turning to the city’s development, Bilawal congratulated Karachi’s residents on the inauguration of the wastewater treatment plant and said projects aimed at improving water supply and other civic services would continue.

He said Karachi and several other cities in Sindh faced water shortages and claimed development work in Karachi was progressing rapidly.

Bilawal also praised Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for his work in providing services to residents.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Keamari Treatment Plant-I, he said some federal officials sitting in Islamabad commented on Karachi, but the PPP would continue to serve the city.

“Karachi is our city,” he said, adding that its residents should not be deprived of their rights.