Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned PML-N to halt proceeding on the Canal project or face their enmity.
PPP leader also raised his voice for the farmers and took a firm stance for them.

A battle brewing on the banks of the Indus:

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed in Hyderabad. In his address, he particularly targeted PML-N leaders for their unjust policies. He mentioned the controversial Indus Canal project that he thinks will ruin Sindh if not stopped. Moreover, Bilawal accused the central government of ignoring Sindh’s rights, crushing farmers under unjust policies, and endangering the unity of the nation. He did not only address the people at Hatro Bypass Gorund, but he also threatened the government. He warned the government that if it did not address the PPP’s concerns, then the party would not support them in parliament.

PPP draws the red line:

The Federal government’s plan for the Indus Canal project raised concerns in the Sindh government. The Sindh government fears that these canals will further deprive the Sindh and its nearby places of precious water resources. Bilawal Bhutto held a clear stance and said clearly, “If they don’t stop this project, we won’t support them anymore. Not in parliament, not in budget sessions. We’re not afraid to take a stand.” He, however, said that we are with Sindhis and we know that the Indus canal project will withdraw the basic rights of Sindhis. That is why the PML-N can not deceive the PPP in the name of development that benefits only the powerful elite.

Also Read: Imran Khan’s Call For Dialogue, Not Power

Bilawal blasts PML-N’s ‘Anti-Farmer’ agenda:

Bilawal Bhutto also talked about the agricultural community of Pakistan. He again showed his anger at PML-N’s wrong policies. He called such policies “anti-farmer.” He said that Shahbaz Sharif must focus on these policies that deprive farmers of enjoying their basic rights. He accused the federal government of refusing to provide farmers with fair support prices, blocking provinces from buying wheat, and imposing heavy taxes on farming. He fiercely stated, “The lion doesn’t protect. It feeds on the blood of the poor.” He referred to the PML-N and said it came into power only with the help of PPP.

A history of resistance:

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reminded the people about the efforts of his mother, Benazir Bhutto, in protecting the Kalabagh Dam. He reminded that Benazir took that stand only to protect the rights of the Sindhis. Likewise, Bilawal declared that the PPP is ready once again to fight for what is right. He stressed, “Even if it means hard times, we will not compromise. We have faced dictators, military rule, and political pressure before, we’re not afraid now.”

A personal message and a political warning:

Bilawal congratulated the people of Umerkot for rejecting the new canals and winning the by-election. He also said, “We’re the ones who say ‘khappay’ (we want Pakistan), not ‘na-khappay’ ”. He referenced a famous slogan his father used after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. He also added, “Threats won’t scare us. PPP workers don’t back down.”

Warning against a national crisis:

Bilawal Bhutto warned about national crisis. He said Pakistan is going through a tough time. The ongoing terrorism, religious extremism, and political instability are deteriorating Pakistan’s peace. In addition, if such controversial policies did not stop, then the federation would lean towards deeper cracks. He said, “This is not just about Sindh. When provinces are denied their rights, it threatens the whole country. We are ready to sit and work out a 50-year national plan, but only if our voices are heard.”

A voice of reason in Islamabad:

Farhatullah Babar addressed the issue of building six new canals in Punjab from the federal capital. He criticized the government’s move and said, “This is a case of resource capture by the elite. It’s being done in the name of welfare, but it’s really about power and control.” He, however, said that the matter should be discussed before the Council of Common Interest(CCI). Babar also called for the declaration of a National Drought Emergency. He questioned, “We are already running out of water so how can we build more canals without a national strategy?”