Karachi, April 4, 2026 – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday said his party would support the government in introducing a mini-budget if required, as Pakistan continues to face mounting economic pressures amid global and regional instability.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 47th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Bilawal emphasized that the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran is placing a heavy economic burden on Pakistan. He stated that the impact of such geopolitical tensions is being felt by every Pakistani citizen, particularly through rising inflation and financial instability.
“The burden of the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel is being borne by every Pakistani,” Bilawal said, stressing that the situation is worsening economic challenges in the country.
He strongly condemned the violence associated with the conflict, terming the war against Iran “illegal” and expressing grief over the loss of lives, including the tragic killing of schoolgirls in a recent attack on an educational institution. He warned that global tensions are escalating and could spread beyond the region if not addressed.
“There are fears that this war could spread globally, as its effects are no longer limited to Iran,” he noted, adding that certain forces are promoting division and hatred at a time when unity is needed the most.
Bilawal reiterated that war is never a solution and called for peace and diplomatic efforts to resolve international disputes. He also expressed confidence that countries involved in conflicts in the Middle East cannot destabilize Pakistan.
On the domestic front, Bilawal called for urgent economic relief measures, urging the government to expand the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to assist vulnerable populations during this difficult period. He emphasized that PPP would fully support any initiative to increase the program’s budget.
He highlighted that both federal and provincial governments are working to reallocate resources for public relief. In Sindh, the government plans to introduce financial assistance for small farmers through a “Kisan Card” scheme aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.
Bilawal acknowledged that Pakistan is currently facing “historic inflation and crisis,” and stressed the need for targeted support programs for farmers, transporters, and motorcycle owners. He urged citizens to register for upcoming relief initiatives and ensure proper documentation to benefit from government schemes.
He also announced relief measures for motorcycle owners, including waiving transfer fees and providing support to registered vehicle owners. Additionally, he said the government is working to prevent fare increases by supporting transport services affected by rising fuel costs.
Bilawal noted that all provinces are contributing to a federal fund designed to support transporters and stabilize fares, although he cautioned that the scale of the crisis may limit the effectiveness of these measures.
Calling for political cooperation, Bilawal thanked leaders across party lines, including the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for their cooperation in addressing national challenges.
“In such circumstances, national interest must take priority over politics,” he said, urging unity among all stakeholders. He added that leaders in Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh are actively working to provide relief to citizens.
Bilawal concluded with a message of resilience and hope, stating that with unity and determination, Pakistan can overcome the current challenges. “If there is unity in Pakistan, no force in the world can defeat or divide us,” he said, expressing optimism for peace and recovery.