Sindh fully prepared to deal with floods, says Bilawal

Sukhur: Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the Sindh government is fully prepared to deal with the floods.

He urged the federal government to provide immediate financial assistance to flood victims through the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and called for the declaration of an agricultural emergency across the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the floods have caused extensive damage across the country, including in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. He noted that relief camps are operational in Punjab while floodwaters continue to advance.

He added that he had received briefings regarding the Guddu and Sukkur barrages, stating that the Sindh government is fully prepared for flood management. However, he noted that the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas is proceeding slowly and urged local authorities to extend full cooperation.

Bilawal Bhutto emphasised that the PPP has full preparedness and capability to manage the floods.

He criticised the federal government for not yet providing financial aid to flood-affected districts through the BISP and reiterated his call for immediate disbursement of funds to affected populations in Punjab. He further stated that, in view of the floods in Sindh and the resulting damages, financial assistance through BISP should also be extended to Sindh’s flood victims.

Bilawal Bhutto called for the immediate declaration of an agricultural emergency nationwide and urged both federal and provincial governments to support farmers. He warned that providing timely support to farmers today is essential to prevent future food security challenges.

He prayed for the protection of the people of Pakistan from natural disasters and emphasised that all political differences must be set aside in order to confront such calamities collectively.

Responding to a question after the press conference, Bilawal Bhutto stated that post-flood controversies can be debated later. He remarked that India had historically attacked the Indus, and stressed the importance of provincial unity in facing challenges.

He clarified that the PPP is not opposed to dam construction but cautioned that controversial dams could pose risks to certain areas. He questioned those who propose such projects that may create provincial tensions.

Bilawal Bhutto expressed concern over the speculation about building dams in Sindh, calling it incomprehensible and unjustified.