CHAIRMAN Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, on Friday spoke on different issues with a clear mind conveying a vivid impression that the party stands firm on its policy of upholding the cause of democracy and the supremacy of Parliament. He clarified the party position on dichotomy of power, support for the coalition government and foreign policy issues strengthening the widely held belief he has firm grip on political and geopolitical issues.
There is no denying the fact that the PPP rendered immense sacrifices for the sake of democracy and strengthening powers and authority of the parliament. Therefore, the candid statement of Bilawal that only parliament had the mandate to roll back the 26th Amendment and if any other institution tried to do so, it would not be accepted becomes understandable. In an informal chat to newsmen at the Parliament House in Islamabad, he asserted that the Supreme Court, whether a regular bench or the constitutional bench, will have to accept and follow the Constitution. In fact, the 26th Amendment has become a reality as its different provisions are under implementation and it would not be appropriate to jolt the system time and again. The parliament acted within its mandate and powers to adopt the constitutional amendment and only the parliament can amend or undo it. In the backdrop of consistent reports that the PPP was not feeling comfortable in the coalition government as it believed it was not being consulted on important matters, the party Chairman clarified once again that the PPP will continue to support the Government but will not join the federal cabinet. He was also clear about the future of the incumbent government and expressed the confidence that it will complete its five-year term despite numerous challenges. Differences of opinion within a coalition is nothing new and it is satisfying that these are sorted out through mutual consultation and discussions. Bilawal, who served as Foreign Minister, also asserted that Pakistan’s foreign policy was intact and in place adding nuclear and missile technologies are gifts to the nation from Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and the PPP will never trade on this issue. His remarks showed continued consensus on the issue of nuclear and missile technologies that are serving the cause of defence effectively. Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes remain under discussion because of the poisonous propaganda of some circles and lobbies but successive governments did not compromise them because these have rock-solid support of the nation. The decisions of the PPP’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) also reflect the overall thinking and approach of the party on different issues. Some members reportedly expressed reservations over different aspects of relationship within the coalition government but the forum again endorsed the policy of providing support to the government. However, it clarified that the party will support legislation that is in the interest of the people. On PPP’s decision to vote for the passage of the controversial PECA Amendments, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari clarified that the final version of the legislation was markedly improved because of input from the PPP. As the PPP stands for the rights of government servants and workers, the CEC passed a resolution expressing concern over the anti-labour measures in PWD, Karachi Dock Labour Board, Utility Stores, Passco, NFC and other institutions. The CEC demanded immediate local government elections in Punjab and Islamabad as per the agreement between the Pakistan People’s Party and government. We hope these demands pertaining to rights of workers and empowerment of the people will be given due consideration by the Federal as well as the Punjab Government. It is regrettable that the dream of delegation of powers to the people remains unrealized due to the self-serving attitude of successive governments to the issue of local governments.
