Talk to Me Rather Complaining Elsewhere, Bilawal tells Traders

In response to recent comments about swapping

Sindh CM with Punjab CM, Bilawal emphasized

that the PPP is committed to resolving issues

Staff Reporter

Karachi: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on Karachi’s business community to approach him directly with any grievances rather than “complaining elsewhere,” emphasizing the importance of strengthening communication between the government and traders.

Speaking at a Sindh government-hosted luncheon for the business community, Bilawal emphasized that the PPP is committed to resolving issues and fostering a stronger partnership with the business sector. “If you have complaints about the Chief Minister, ministers, or bureaucrats, talk to me directly. Don’t go elsewhere for resolution,” he said.

The PPP chairman’s remarks come in response to a lighthearted comment by trade leader Atiq Mir, who humorously suggested swapping Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah with Punjab’s Maryam Nawaz during a recent meeting with Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. The proposal received support from some traders, though Iqbal chose not to comment on it.

The Sindh government swiftly condemned the remark, with spokesperson Saadia Javed calling it disrespectful to the public mandate. Following the backlash, Mir clarified that the statement was made in jest and not as a serious proposal.

In his speech, Bilawal assured the business community that the days of extortion and forced closures in Karachi are behind. “Businesses now operate without fear, and laborers are no longer coerced into political rallies,” he stated.

Bilawal also expressed his dissatisfaction with the federal government for excluding Sindh from crucial policy decisions, particularly regarding energy tariffs. “We have lost faith in the Centre when it comes to electricity issues,” he stated, criticizing the continued load-shedding in Sindh despite federal claims of resolution.

Highlighting Sindh’s potential as an energy hub, Bilawal emphasized the province’s vast coal reserves and affirmed the PPP’s commitment to generating and distributing its own power. “We will generate our own electricity and distribute it,” he confirmed.

The PPP chairman ended his speech by urging a collaborative effort between Sindh’s government and the business community to address the region’s challenges and ensure Karachi’s continued growth. “Let’s work together to ensure Karachi thrives,” he concluded.