Bilawal urges giving provinces more powers to collect taxes

GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that powers should not be taken away from the provinces and instead, they should be entrusted with greater responsibilities.

“We are ready to take on more responsibilities so that the economy can be strengthened. Provinces should be given more responsibility in tax matters. We will collect taxes better than the FBR and help steer the country out of the economic crisis. The federation should avoid creating situations that allow others to level accusations against it,” he said this while addressing a large gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to mark the death anniversary of former prime minister Benizir Bhutto.

He said that the PPP has its own politics and history, and the party will resolve the federation’s issues while safeguarding provincial autonomy and rights.

“We want to work with the federal government to overcome the economic crisis,” the PPP chairman said, urging collective national effort to address Pakistan’s financial challenges.

Bilawal said inflation had already accelerated during the tenure of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while the current government claims that the economy is improving and inflation is relatively lower than in the PTI era. “The country has been saved from default,” he added, noting, however, that “the public still does not believe the government’s claims.”

Speaking about Sindh’s health sector, Bilawal said the province’s performance was now being compared not with other provinces but with the world.

He said that world-class healthcare facilities had been established across Sindh and that treatment for all types of diseases was available in Gambat. “People from backward areas also have a right to quality healthcare,” he said.

He said Sindh had laid a network of an internationally recognised health system, and despite recent floods that severely affected the agriculture sector, efforts continued to support affected communities.

Bilawal further said provinces should be assigned more responsibilities to end the economic crisis and that the federation should relieve itself of the burden of loss-making power utilities such as Hesco and Sepco.

He reiterated that the PPP would work with the federation to find solutions to national problems.

He said that the Pakistan Armed Forces dealt a historic defeat to India in May, calling the victory “a win for the entire nation.”

He said that this achievement brought recognition for Pakistan around the world and would not have been possible without the sacrifices of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

“The greatest response to killers and terrorists is your presence. Every year, people from all four provinces gather here in large numbers. From this place, we send a message to the world that yesterday, BB was alive, and today she remains alive in our hearts.”

He expressed gratitude for the love and support of the people, saying, “It is this strength that allows us to work in Islamabad to address your issues.”

Bilawal highlighted the contributions of Benazir Bhutto, saying, “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto gave Pakistan missile technology. It was the sacrifices of Garhi Khuda Bakhsh that made Pakistan a nuclear power. President Zardari had procured aircraft from China that helped bring down Indian planes.”

He also emphasised the historical Pakistan-China friendship, noting, “The foundation of Pakistan-China relations was laid by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. President Zardari further strengthened this bond through CPEC. India still cannot digest Pakistan’s victory. Even hearing the name of Pakistan’s field marshal frightens Modi.”

Bilawal said that the May victory against India belongs to all Pakistanis. “PPP remains committed to solving people’s problems. After May 10, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has disappeared from international platforms where he previously criticised Pakistan. We congratulate the people of Pakistan for this outstanding success in the battle of truth.”

Addressing internal challenges, Bilawal said, “Pakistan’s domestic problems are well known. The country is facing a political crisis, but we will confront these challenges and guide Pakistan out of difficulties.”

He also highlighted parliamentary achievements: “This year, the 27th Constitutional Amendment was passed. Regarding the constitutional protection of the NFC, the government had proposed controversial points which we successfully rejected — a major achievement for us.”

Bilawal said PPP has always defended provincial rights. “We ensured the NFC’s constitutional protection. The establishment of the Constitutional Court was a promise of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. The court will ensure equal representation from all provinces.”

Calling PPP a federalist party, he said, “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto was the chain linking all four provinces. PPP always approaches politics seriously, considering the issues of both provinces and the federation. We see the federation’s problems as our own and want to resolve them.”

He added, “BISP is a PPP initiative. Our resolve is to work with the federation to overcome the country’s economic difficulties. The parliament has passed many amendments. PPP will foil every conspiracy against the country. Only PPP has the capability to rescue the people from these challenges.”

Bilawal said that the Sindh government is building 2 million houses for the people.