PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has slammed the ruling coalition for allegedly failing the relationship with the United States and blocking the virtual private networks (VPNs).

“The government is misleading the people about 4G internet services while in reality only 3G services are being provided,” he told reporters in Karachi. “The government has deviated from commitments made to the PPP during constitutional discussions.”

This comes after a few ministers’ concerns over Republican candidate Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections. They expressed their concerns after many PTI supporters claimed that Trump would play a role in the release of incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan.

Moreover, the coalition government bulldozed half a dozen pieces of legislation, through both houses of parliament, despite vociferous protest by the opposition, led by PTI earlier this month.

Grievances over constitutional bench formation

Bilawal claimed that the federal government failed to uphold the promise of maintaining equality during constitutional discussions. He was of the view that judges from rural Sindh would have been a stronger push for equality. The PPP chief revealed that he stepped away from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan in protest against a lack of representation for Sindh.

He demanded equal representation in the country’s highest judicial institutions, saying: “Two separate systems cannot exist within one country.” He criticised the federal constitutional bench for adopting a “different approach” for Sindh and called for decisions affecting Sindh to reflect the same standards applied to the federal government.

Bilawal alleged that “some judges engage” in politics from the bench, emphasising that both the chief justice of Pakistan and the constitutional bench head should remain non-controversial.

He pointed out that the people interact with lower courts, urging the Sindh chief minister to consult with the CJP regarding reforms in such courts. “Until reforms are implemented in the lower courts, our mission will remain incomplete.”

Bilawal accuses PML-N of ‘violating agreements’

The PPP chairman accused the PML-N of “violating agreements” with the PPP, particularly regarding the Public Sector Development Programme’s preparation through consultation.

He noted his involvement in the 26th Constitutional Amendment while the government approved new canals “behind their backs,” stating that the PPP does not agree with new canals. Consensus can be achieved through various methods, but the government’s approach to canals is “unacceptable,” he said.

As the party chairman, Bilawal expressed his responsibility to inform the Central Executive Committee of the ground realities, stating that “political stability is easily achievable under current circumstances.” He clarified that the PPP’s CEC has decided not to join the government.

“It is absurd to receive a bill on the floor and then be handed a copy,” he said, “politics should be about respect; there should be no grievances in politics. There is no question of being upset with the government, but respect and politics are absent at the federal level.”

Zardari’s condition ‘improving’

While giving an update on his father’s health, Bilawal stated that President Asif Ali Zardari’s condition is improving after suffering four fractures in his foot. Complete recovery would take some time, he added.

Bilawal demands concrete actions rather than statements

When asked about the deaths of Chinese nationals and the Chinese ambassador’s statement, the PPP chief said: “Chinese citizens are not only guests but also friends of Pakistan.” He condemned terrorism and stated that China aims to benefit Pakistan’s economy and its people.

“The people demand action to prevent further terrorist incidents, as the threat of terrorism has spread from Balochistan to tribal areas.”

He criticised the government for its “habitual response” of issuing statements and making condolence visits following terrorist attacks, asserting that the people expect the government to take concrete actions rather than just making promises. “What is the government doing to combat terrorism?” he asked.

In response to a question, Bilawal stated that the PPP prioritises national interests and added that the US has its political landscape, to which Pakistan does not align itself with either the Republicans or Democrats.

Pakistan ties with US are ‘worse’

He highlighted the role of personal relationships in politics, noting that he knows Donald Trump’s son-in-law and daughter and recalled that former prime minister Benazir Bhutto was once invited to dinner by Trump. He added that his father knew Trump before he became president.

But Bilawal pointed out that the significance of personal relationships in diplomacy is “limited,” with geopolitical factors having a “greater impact.” He acknowledged that Pakistan-US relations are not good at the moment, stating that even during his tenure as foreign minister, relations with the US were not “particularly strong.” He reiterated that the “current state of affairs with the US is even worse.”

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Ban on VPNs

He opposed the recent bans on VPNs and the slow internet speeds in the country, stating that the government did not consult with stakeholders regarding such decisions.

Bilawal criticised “decision-makers” for their lack of understanding about VPNs and the internet, suggesting that had the government engaged in discussions with his party, it could have provided clarity on the matter.

He highlighted the importance of agriculture and technology as “key sectors” that can support the economy, lamenting that the government “is harming” both areas.

“We now live in an era defined by internet connectivity, VPN usage, and internet speed. In the past, infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings were the focus, but the current emphasis should be on internet speed,” the PPP chairman said.