Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that Pakistan would consider war if India fails to honour the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking during the ongoing budget session in the National Assembly, Bilawal also condemned the recent United States airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling them “based on lies,” as reported by Express News.
While addressing lawmakers, Bilawal criticised the targeting of Iranian nuclear sites, scientists, and journalists, labeling these acts as violations of international norms and unjustified aggression. He connected these developments to a broader pattern of regional hostility, stating that “such actions were part of a broader pattern of aggression that started with Gaza, continued in Yemen, and has now reached Iran.”
On domestic matters, Bilawal acknowledged that the PPP was consulted during the budget-making process and noted that several of the party’s recommendations had been accepted. He appreciated the government for respecting provincial jurisdiction over the digital tax on services and applauded the reduction in sales tax on solar panels from 18 percent to 10 percent. He expressed satisfaction with the overall improvement in economic indicators, highlighting a reduction in inflation due to current policies and commending the 20 percent increase in the budget for the Benazir Income Support Programme.
He called for the declaration of an agricultural emergency, emphasizing its necessity for providing relief to farmers and safeguarding the backbone of the country’s economy. On the issue of national security, Bilawal highlighted that the defence budget had been increased by 20 percent due to India’s “hostile posture,” and reiterated that Pakistan had succeeded in internationalising the Kashmir dispute.
Referring to his recent diplomatic visits to various global capitals, Bilawal stated, “Pakistan had defeated India on the battlefield, as well as on the diplomatic and narrative fronts.” He added that the delegation presented Pakistan’s position as one grounded in peace. Reaffirming his hardline stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, he warned, “If India does not respect the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan will go to war,” and asserted that “India has already lost and Pakistan has already won on the diplomatic and political fronts.”
Tensions between the two countries escalated on April 22, when a deadly attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives. India blamed Pakistan for the incident, a charge Pakistan categorically rejected. The following day, India responded by suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty, cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of Pakistan’s High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff on both sides.
Bilawal criticised previous governments for their weak stance on Indian aggression in Kashmir, contrasting it with what he described as the current administration’s decisive action. He highlighted the downing of six Indian fighter jets as proof of Pakistan’s firm resolve. He also accused Indian and Israeli lobbies of working in tandem to malign Pakistan and attempting to have the country placed back on the FATF grey list—attempts he claimed were unsuccessful.
While calling for peace between Pakistan and India, Bilawal emphasized the necessity of military preparedness, citing India’s refusal to formally acknowledge the ceasefire. He welcomed the increase in defence spending and voiced support for funding non-controversial dam projects. He also advocated for reduced taxation on renewable energy and stronger social safety nets through the Benazir Income Support Programme.
Responding to opposition jeers during his speech, Bilawal reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to representing public concerns. He stated that, despite not being part of the federal cabinet, his party would continue to offer constructive criticism and meaningful proposals for national progress.
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