Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a urgent demand to the federal government, calling for the immediate initiation of an international appeal for assistance to support the victims of devastating floods across the country. He expressed severe criticism over the administration’s delay in this process, which he described as “beyond comprehension.”
In a statement on social media platform X, the former foreign minister underscored that launching such an appeal is standard international practice for disasters of this scale. He cited historical precedents, noting that Pakistan successfully sought global aid during the 2022 floods under his watch, as well as following the 2010 floods and the 2005 earthquake. Bilawal emphasized that nations worldwide typically activate this crucial channel for help within the first 72 hours of a catastrophe.
While welcoming the government’s recent decision to announce a climate and agricultural emergency, Bilawal argued that this declaration must be coupled with tangible, immediate relief for the millions affected. He specifically advocated for the announcement of financial support through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) targeted at the populations in the hardest-hit areas.
The PPP Chairman’s demands are informed by his firsthand assessments of the crisis. Having recently visited flood-impacted regions across central Punjab, South Punjab, and Sindh, he voiced particular support for the agricultural community. Bilawal identified this sector as the “most devastated,” highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive aid to support farmers and restore vital food supply chains.
