Bilawal calls for consensus-based approach to new provinces

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for the creation of new provinces only where there is consensus, urging the government to focus on areas of agreement before pursuing plans to establish 20 provinces.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, he said the National Assembly has already agreed on certain provinces and stressed that proposals ready for implementation should be implemented immediately.

Bilawal noted that the PPP has historically maintained governance while at times implementing governor’s rule when necessary. Referring to the Punjab Assembly’s legislation to create a province and establish local government, he compared it to Sindh’s even stronger framework, stressing that political stability requires cooperation between parties. He warned that failure to engage with affected neighborhoods could create provincial challenges.

Recalling the PPP’s successful no-confidence motion that removed a sitting prime minister, Bilawal criticized the PTI for consistently taking a disruptive approach and called for constructive engagement among political parties. When asked about meeting PTI Chairman Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, he reiterated the need for all parties to maintain dialogue.

Separately, Bilawal warned that Pakistan’s economy ‘cannot be run with sticks’ and urged the government to abandon coercive measures and adopt a cooperative, decentralized approach to economic planning.

Addressing a ceremony held by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), he said that Pakistan’s business history is often misrepresented, but the focus should be on the future. He assured that the OPP would work with the FPCCI Advisory Group to strengthen economic initiatives and planning at the district level.

“One difference between the Prime Minister’s team and our team is that they are in favor of centralization while we believe in decentralization. If you prepare district-wise plans, it will strengthen our arguments and I appreciate your recommendations for finance offices,” he said.

Bilawal emphasized that governments often rely on coercion to manage the economy, but “a country cannot be governed by force alone – it must be run with cooperation”. He added, “You attract more with honey than with vinegar.” He also called for competitive tax rates, respect for business and voluntary compliance to achieve better economic outcomes.

To give a practical example, Bilawal noted that before the 18th Amendment, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) levied sales tax on services. After devolution, Sindh immediately took charge of collection and has since surpassed FBR records. Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also surpassed previous federal collections. “This shows that decentralization works,” he said.

He highlighted the overall objectives of the PPP to increase revenue, improve tax collection and expand the tax net while promoting economic growth and human development.

Bilawal expressed pride in Pakistan’s long-standing three-generation relationship with China, noting that the country has not taken full advantage of the business incentives offered by Beijing. He also pointed to opportunities created by the recent tariff war and Europe’s GSP Plus status, which had led to a 60 percent increase in exports to Europe during his tenure as foreign secretary.

He acknowledged that the President, the Governors of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Sindh Government and the Prime Minister are actively working to solve problems faced by the business community. He reiterated that while the Prime Minister favors centralization, the PPP believes that decentralization is the key to sustainable growth and supports FPCCI’s programs at the district level.