Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to exercise greater control over his cabinet, warning that conflicting statements by some ministers are creating political difficulties and could lead to bigger challenges in the future.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Bilawal praised the Prime Minister’s efforts to engage coalition partners and the opposition but expressed concern over the conduct and remarks of certain federal ministers.
Praise for Prime Minister’s Approach
Bilawal said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif works hard and sincerely attempts to address national issues through consultation and political dialogue.
“I appreciate the spirit with which the Prime Minister engages coalition partners and the opposition,” he said. “He is trying to move the country forward through a positive political approach.”
The PPP chairman added that the Prime Minister has made efforts to resolve issues in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) through political means and dialogue.
Criticism of a Federal Minister
Without naming a specific minister, Bilawal criticized what he described as irresponsible remarks that aggravated tensions instead of helping resolve disputes.
He said that while efforts were being made to calm a situation, a federal minister chose to inflame it further.
“A federal minister added fuel to the fire instead of helping extinguish it,” Bilawal stated. “That minister is still not prepared to apologize.”
He questioned why ministers would make statements suggesting that citizens of Rawalakot were not Kashmiris, arguing that such comments were damaging and unnecessary.
Call for Cabinet Discipline
The PPP chairman stressed that the Prime Minister should ensure greater discipline within the federal cabinet.
“The Prime Minister should control his team,” Bilawal said. “If this is not done, the difficulties will increase with time.”
According to him, contradictory statements from ministers undermine efforts aimed at political reconciliation and problem-solving.
He argued that while the Prime Minister is attempting to build consensus, some members of the cabinet are creating obstacles through their remarks and actions.
Reference to Parliamentary Debate
Bilawal also referred to recent political controversies involving government ministers and coalition partners.
He questioned how allies could support statements implying that certain parliamentary seats were effectively guaranteed before elections.
“If a minister says that we bring 12 seats in our pocket, how can we support such a position?” he asked.
The PPP chairman noted that former National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf had provided Defence Minister Khawaja Asif an opportunity to clarify or withdraw his remarks, but according to Bilawal, no apology had been offered.
Remarks on Karachi and MQM
Turning to Karachi-related issues, Bilawal addressed concerns frequently raised by MQM leaders regarding local governance and urban problems.
He argued that Karachi’s challenges should not be blamed solely on the PPP and suggested that MQM members serving in the federal cabinet also share responsibility.
“I want to tell our friends from Karachi that their problems are not with the PPP alone,” he said. “Some of your own representatives sitting in the cabinet are misleading you.”
Bilawal claimed that agreements reached during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) era had faced obstacles from MQM ministers themselves.
He challenged MQM leaders to decide whether remaining in government positions was more important than addressing Karachi’s problems.
“If you believe Karachi’s issues are not being resolved and you are only being given promises, then leave the government and sit separately,” he said. “What is more important—Karachi or these chairs?”
Advocacy for Local Government Systems
The PPP chairman also emphasized the importance of local government institutions across Pakistan.
He argued that provinces governed by the PPP have functioning local government systems and accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of being reluctant to empower local bodies through elections.
Bilawal suggested that the local government model operating in Karachi should also be implemented in Lahore.
“You talk about the Constitution and constitutional amendments, yet even Islamabad does not have a proper local government system,” he said.
He called for a stronger and more empowered local government structure in the federal capital and urged authorities to hold local body elections nationwide.
“I demand local government elections across the country,” Bilawal declared.
He added that following the formation of a government in Gilgit-Baltistan, local government elections should be held there within 90 days.
Budget Approval Before Ashura
Bilawal concluded by urging the government to ensure approval of the federal budget before the observance of Ashura.
He informed the House that PPP lawmakers would not be available from the following day due to Muharram commitments and suggested that the government decide whether to continue lengthy debates or move toward final budget approval.
“I want the Prime Minister to succeed because if he succeeds, the country’s situation will improve,” Bilawal said.
His remarks highlighted both support for the coalition government’s broader objectives and concern over internal disagreements that, in his view, could complicate efforts to address political and governance challenges.
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