Bilawal calls for national unity on economic, security challenges

PPP chairman says decision reflects coordinated efforts between the Centre and provinces to manage defence-related and other national obligations while maintaining constitutional fiscal arrangements

ISLAMABAD:(UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 18th, 2026) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Thursday said the Federal government and provinces have mutually agreed to share the burden of “unusual national requirements,” adding that the arrangement is limited to a three-year framework and no further financial demands will be placed on the provinces beyond that period.

Addressing the National Assembly during the budget session, Bilawal Bhutto said the decision reflects coordinated efforts between the Centre and provinces to manage defence-related and other national obligations while maintaining constitutional fiscal arrangements. He clarified that the provinces’ share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award will remain protected.

Bilawal said provincial governments have repeatedly contributed to national causes and continue to do so despite financial constraints. He noted that both the federation and provinces are facing economic pressures, making cooperation essential for stability and governance.

He said that even after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces must continue to receive their due constitutional share. He also cautioned that tax relief for tribal districts is set to expire in 2026, while terrorism continues to pose serious challenges, requiring a unified national response.

The PPP chairman welcomed political consensus on national matters, including contributions from different provinces and political parties, saying such cooperation reflects a sense of responsibility in difficult times.

On economic matters, Bilawal stressed the need for long-term planning focused on sustainable growth. He warned that Pakistan’s economy remains heavily dependent on borrowing, saying the country continues to take loans to repay previous loans, which is unsustainable in the long run. He urged policymakers to prioritize development projects that generate economic activity across all regions rather than focusing only on major cities.

He also highlighted the importance of regional balance in development planning to ensure that underdeveloped areas benefit equally from national progress.

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Referring to regional diplomacy, Bilawal welcomed recent developments involving Pakistan’s facilitation of a preliminary understanding between Iran and the United States. He congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their efforts and acknowledged the role of the armed forces, including Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.

He said the development represents a positive step toward regional peace and expressed hope that continued dialogue would help promote stability. He added that peace remains essential for economic growth and prosperity.

Bilawal also warned against elements attempting to destabilize the region and stressed that diplomatic engagement must be prioritized over confrontation.

On social protection programmes, he strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling criticism of the initiative unjustified. He said the programme has earned international recognition for supporting low-income families and assured that efforts to strengthen it would continue. He added that sustainable national progress is not possible without uplifting marginalized communities.

Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Bilawal expressed concern over rising tensions and urged protesters to end agitation, saying continued unrest would not serve their demands or stability in the region. He said the government remains open to dialogue and committed to resolving issues through constitutional means.

He noted that progress had been made on several demands but said certain issues remain contentious and must be addressed through negotiation and legal processes rather than pressure tactics.

Bilawal concluded that political stability and consensus are necessary for resolving challenges in AJK, adding that all stakeholders must work within the constitutional framework. He also said the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have reaffirmed their trust in the PPP by granting the party 11 seats, calling it a clear electoral mandate.