Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has welcomed the recently signed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia Strategic Defense Agreement, describing it as a “positive development” for Pakistan’s security and regional stability.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto said the timing of the agreement was particularly significant, coming in the wake of recent skirmishes with India. “This defense pact with Saudi Arabia is commendable, and we fully support it. I extend congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his entire team for finalizing such an important deal,” he said.

Call for International Assistance in Flood Relief

Responding to a question on the recent floods that have devastated large parts of the country, Bilawal criticized the government for not seeking timely international assistance. He argued that Pakistan should have formally appealed to global institutions, such as the United Nations and other international humanitarian organizations, to help with rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

“The people of Pakistan deserved international support in the wake of this disaster. Unfortunately, because the government did not make a formal request, our citizens were deprived of much-needed global aid,” he remarked. Bilawal stressed that in the face of disasters of this magnitude, “providing ration alone is not enough. You must seek the expertise of organizations that specialize in health, climate change, and disaster management.”

He cautioned against politicizing natural disasters, saying, “No one should exploit a calamity for political point-scoring. Sadly, our opponents never miss an opportunity to play politics. This was one of the worst floods in recent memory, and its effects are still being felt by the people. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, there was enormous loss of life and property, while in Punjab more than 4.7 million people were affected.”

Bilawal further warned that floodwaters were now moving towards Sindh. However, he expressed confidence in the Sindh government’s handling of the situation. “The provincial administration has managed the crisis well so far, but there are still risks that some local communities may be displaced,” he said.

Requests to the Prime Minister

Bilawal revealed that he had personally requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to waive electricity bills for flood-hit areas. He also urged the government to expand assistance to affected families under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

On Karachi’s long-standing water issues, Bilawal highlighted ongoing development initiatives. “We recently inaugurated the New Hub Canal, and we are working on two major projects to recycle sewage water for industrial use. Addressing Karachi’s water and sanitation challenges remains one of our top priorities,” he explained.

He also mentioned ongoing discussions between the PPP and PML-N regarding projects for Sindh, particularly Karachi. “I reminded the Prime Minister of his commitment to implement development projects at the same pace he promised under the so-called ‘Shehbaz Speed.’ We expect that he will continue to deliver on those promises,” Bilawal stated.

Relations with China

Turning to foreign policy, Bilawal praised President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China. “President Zardari toured several provinces of China, including Shanghai, where a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. This continues his legacy, as during his first tenure he also made record visits to China,” Bilawal noted.

Dismissal of Cabinet Reshuffle Rumors

When asked about potential changes in the Sindh cabinet, Bilawal dismissed such speculation. “The media first runs unverified reports, and then we are asked to respond. There is no truth in such stories,” he clarified.

Criticism of India’s Politicization of Sports

Bilawal also criticized India for politicizing sporting events, particularly cricket. Referring to the controversy surrounding the Asia Cup 2025, he said: “This is not the first time India has brought politics into sports. Games should remain non-political, but unfortunately, India has repeatedly used politics to create disputes and controversies around cricket.”

Broader Political Outlook

Throughout his remarks, Bilawal emphasized a balanced approach—supporting the government where national interest is involved, such as in the Saudi defense pact, while also holding it accountable on governance and disaster management. He positioned PPP as both a responsible opposition and a stakeholder in ensuring relief for the people of Pakistan.

The defense pact with Saudi Arabia, according to Bilawal, could mark the beginning of deeper regional security cooperation. Meanwhile, his repeated calls for greater international engagement in Pakistan’s flood recovery efforts highlight his focus on humanitarian priorities alongside political and diplomatic developments.