GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH (MNN); Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday urged the federal government to empower provinces with greater responsibilities, including tax collection, to help overcome the Centre’s financial difficulties.
Addressing a gathering marking the death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal said the PPP believed in sincere politics at both federal and provincial levels and viewed the Centre’s challenges as its own. Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack after a public rally near Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on December 27, 2007.
The Sindh government declared a public holiday on the occasion, while strict security arrangements were put in place in Larkana and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. More than 8,500 police personnel, along with Rangers and other security agencies, were deployed to ensure safety for VVIPs, VIPs and the public at Bhutto’s mausoleum.
Bilawal said that instead of curtailing provincial authority, the federal government should devolve more powers and responsibilities to the provinces. He added that the PPP was ready to shoulder additional responsibilities to help stabilise the economy and address governance issues.
Referring to revenue generation, Bilawal proposed closer coordination between the federal and provincial governments, stating that provinces could collect taxes more efficiently than the Federal Board of Revenue and help eliminate fiscal crises.
He also suggested that electricity distribution should be devolved to the provinces, arguing they could manage power supply more effectively than the Centre. He stressed that all political forces must work together to tackle Pakistan’s economic challenges and improve public welfare.
Speaking about his mother, Bilawal said her final message was one of reconciliation, which he described as essential for resolving the country’s current political crisis. He urged political parties to abandon extremism and pursue responsible politics, adding that actions such as the May 9, 2023 riots or verbal attacks on state institutions were harmful.
President Asif Ali Zardari, in his address, said the PPP had always stood ready to defend Pakistan and recalled the party’s restraint following Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. Referring to the recent conflict with India, he said Pakistan’s armed forces had given a strong response, making the enemy realise Pakistan’s resolve.
Earlier, in a message on Benazir’s death anniversary, President Zardari emphasised unity over division, reiterating her belief that democracy was the best revenge. He reaffirmed the commitment to her vision of a democratic, inclusive and progressive Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute, saying Benazir Bhutto’s political legacy was defined by courage, patriotism and dedication to democratic values. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tolerance, rule of law and democratic governance.
A government delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also attended the anniversary gathering on the prime minister’s instructions, paying homage to Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices and contributions to democracy and women’s empowerment.
