PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday said the federal government had made up its mind to impose emergency or governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, his party suggested finding a political solution to fight terrorism in a “better way”.
Addressing an event in Karachi, Bilawal said that the federal government had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP regarding the recent security situation, particularly in KP.
Noting the terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, Bilawal said, “In my opinion, the federal government had made up its mind and was 100 per cent ready; they wanted to immediately impose emergency or governor’s rule in KP.”
He noted that although imposing governor’s rule or emergency in any province was a Constitutional tool, the PPP “was of the view that before dropping this constitutional atomic bomb, political parties should absolutely find a political solution to fight terrorism in a better way”.
Sharing his party’s view, Bilawal said the PPP wanted to hold talks with the protesting party — the PTI — regarding its planned Oct 4 long march to Islamabad before making any decision.
While calling on all parties to engage in dialogue with PTI before imposing emergency, he also urged the latter to abandon its long march to Islamabad and acknowledge the success of their protest.
Bilawal said the PTI protest had been somewhat successful as the capital “has been shut for 10 days”, even if the party had not marched towards it. “A political party or worker should see that you have achieved success on the political stage.”
However, he pointed out: “But it is also correct that while you are focusing on your own politics, there is terrorist activity in KP every other day.
“If the provincial government does not consider this issue of terrorism and law and order important, and there are allegations that they are not standing with the federation, then we may be forced to declare an emergency or governor’s rule.”
The PPP chief noted that the terrorist threat from Afghanistan and India’s “hideous role” in supporting it was apparent. “Do not see terrorism through a political lens.”
“We want to come together to fight terrorism and not view it as a political issue, but a national one,” Bilawal emphasised, recalling a recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari.
The Bhutto scion called for a written agreement between the KP and federal governments which would outline “how they will combat terrorism together”.
“If there is any political deadlock, it needs to be kept separate from issues like terrorism or national interests.”
The government and PPP are jointly engaged in talks with the opposition, aimed at defusing the country’s ongoing political crisis.
The discussions precede the PTI’s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government.
The decision to have talks with the opposition was taken after PM Shehbaz called on President Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad earlier this week. National security, institutional cooperation on law and order and the possibility of using emergency powers were among the topics discussed.
A joint delegation comprising PML-N and PPP leaders met the opposition on Friday, with a second round of talks held on Saturday. As the politicians gathered at Parliament House, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the talks would proceed in the same “cordial atmosphere” as the day before.
Bilawal announces water projects for Karachi’s SITE
Earlier in his speech, Bilawal congratulated the people of Karachi on the completion of a water project and added that the PPP saw its first success in local government elections.
“The number one priority for us is water. Eight per cent of Sindh’s water comes through IRSA,” Bilawal said, referring to the Indus River System Authority, which releases water downstream into Sindh. However, persistent water shortages caused by IRSA not releasing water have triggered strong protests in the past.
“The 1999 Water Accord has not been implemented, so this city and our province do not get our deserved share,” he added. “Rather than giving us water, they pursue projects without our permission, which causes water shortages in Sindh and Karachi.”
Bilawal noted that in the 1999 Accord, it is clearly stated that more water would be given to Sindh to fulfil Karachi’s needs. However, he noted that this right was denied to the people of Sindh.
“The Sindh government and KMC prioritised saving water for the people of Karachi, so that they can avail extra water,” Bilawal outlined, adding that several months ago, the 25 million gallon water treatment facility was inaugurated in Kemari.
“As the mayor told you, the capacity will be increased by 55 million gallons, so that we can deliver those benefits to the people of Kemari,” he added.
Calling it the first project of its kind in Pakistan, Bilawal expressed hope that the needs of people in Karachi’s SITE area would be met, noting that it is the “engine” for the city’s economy and that of Pakistan.
“We have started a 35 million gallon water treatment project, and this water will fulfil the needs of SITE,” he stated. “The dirty water that used to pollute Karachi, our sea and our river will be treated, bringing benefits for all. In the second phase, 65 million gallons will be treated by January. Once this is completed, the capacity will reach 100 million gallons.”
Additionally, the PPP chief noted that by October 20, projects to provide 10 million gallons of water to Lyari and DHA through a pipeline would be completed.
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