News
June 19 , 2026
Bilawal Says Provinces Won't Face Further Burden beyond Defense Share
Islamabad: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the federal government and provinces had reached an agreement to jointly bear the burden of "extraordinary national necessities" under a three-year framework, after which no further provincial support will be sought by the Center.
"We have agreed with the government to contribute our share for the country's defense," he said while addressing the National Assembly budget session.
Bilawal, whose party is a key ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Center, said the provinces' National Finance Commission (NFC) Award share remained protected and that beyond this decision, no further share or sacrifice would be demanded from them.
"The provincial governments have made sacrifices time and again… they are doing so today as well," he said, adding that multiple issues had been resolved through constitutional means in coordination with the federal government.
He maintained that provincial governments had repeatedly made sacrifices in the national interest and were continuing to do so even today.
He stressed that while the federation was facing economic difficulties, the provinces were also grappling with serious financial challenges.
Bilawal said that despite the 18th Constitutional Amendment, no province had been given its due share.
The PPP chairman warned that tax relief for the tribal districts was due to expire in 2026, while terrorism was continuing to inflict losses on the country.
He said the situation required collective responsibility and a united national response to address the challenges confronting the state.
Bilawal said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government also set aside its political differences and decided to contribute in the national interest.
He welcomed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision on the floor of the House, saying it reflected a willingness to put national priorities above political considerations.
"If we continue to work in this manner for the national interest, we will be able to confront every challenge," Bilawal said, expressing confidence that political forces could overcome difficulties through cooperation and a shared commitment to the country's interests.
The PPP chairman called for the introduction of projects capable of strengthening the national economy, stressing that economic planning should focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term measures.
He urged policymakers to prioritize initiatives that could generate economic activity and improve the country's financial outlook.
"We take loans to pay back loans," Bilawal said, and warned that the country's financial model remained heavily dependent on debt and lacked the foundations required for long-term economic stability.
The PPP chairman also argued that development should not be confined to major urban centers.
Iran-US peace deal
After Iran and the United States signed a preliminary peace deal through Pakistan's mediation, Bilawal congratulated President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on efforts aimed at promoting peace in the region.
Bilawal also paid tribute to Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir and the armed forces, commending their role and services.
He said Pakistan fully understood the costs and consequences of war, having endured immense challenges and sacrifices over the years. - The News
Courtesy The News
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