KARACHI: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Sindh’s progress can be compared not with any other city or province, but with developed countries. He was addressing the launch ceremony of Senator Raza Rabbani’s book “The Smile Snatchers” at the Arts Council Karachi on Tuesday evening.
Bilawal said that a so-called ceasefire was announced yesterday, but history shows that Israel has broken the most ceasefires, and he feared the same might happen again. He expressed hope that the Muslim world would ensure this ceasefire is respected.
He praised Raza Rabbani’s book, dedicated to the children of Gaza, and said that writers live forever through their words. He added that Pakistan and the Muslim world stand firmly with the people of Gaza, where thousands of children, journalists, and health workers have been victims of violence.
Bilawal highlighted that PPP introduced the concept of Public-Private Partnership through Benazir Bhutto’s 1993 manifesto, and that today, Sindh’s development projects are recognized internationally. He said Khairpur Economic Zone, initiated during Qaim Ali Shah’s tenure, was ranked among the best by Financial Times.
He emphasized that Sindh’s competition is with developed nations, not local regions, and called for unity across Pakistan to achieve global success.
Bilawal also praised the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling it one of the most effective welfare models in the world. He mentioned that several countries have adopted similar programs, and even during COVID-19, the Ehsaas Programme used the same model to support people in need.
Referring to the 2022 floods, Bilawal said that the government used BISP to deliver financial aid to the affected families, which proved the system’s strength.
He also mentioned that the NICVD project in Karachi provides free world-class treatment, including for heart and cancer patients, and is internationally recognized.
Bilawal added that the UN Secretary-General appreciated Sindh’s efforts during his visit to Pakistan, especially regarding climate resilience. He concluded that Pakistan must unite to fight the effects of climate change, which the country suffers from despite contributing the least to global emissions.
