Bilawal backs new dams amid flood crisis

SUKKUR (Dunya News) - Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has stated that his party supports the construction of new dams in the country, while urging the government to prioritise immediate flood relief and declare an agricultural emergency.

Speaking to the media during his visit to the Sukkur Barrage in Sindh, Bilawal expressed deep concern over the worsening flood situation, particularly in Punjab. “Flood conditions are more dangerous in Punjab, especially in areas like Multan, Kasur, and Jalalpur Pirwala, where many people have been severely affected,” he said.

He described the devastation caused by floods as “heartbreaking,” noting that many families in Punjab have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan has been hit by a series of natural disasters in recent days. He criticized the federal government's delayed response, highlighting that flood victims in Punjab have been waiting for aid for over two weeks. In contrast, he claimed that Sindh is better prepared to manage the flood crisis.

He appealed to the federal government to disburse relief through the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), not only in Punjab but also in Sindh, pledging to discuss the issue with the Prime Minister personally.

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Bilawal urged residents of flood-prone riverine areas to evacuate immediately, warning of potential sudden disasters.

He also called for the declaration of a national agricultural emergency, warning that floods, compounded by climate change, could lead to severe food security issues. “Farmers are already struggling, and the floods have made their situation even worse,” he said.

Bilawal stressed that climate change demands a complete policy rethink. While backing the construction of new dams, he clarified that PPP would not support controversial projects, especially those involving the Indus River. “Why are rumors being spread about dams on the Indus?” he questioned.

He concluded by saying that coordination with the Punjab government is ongoing, but controversial debates can wait until after the floods. “No single government can stop floods alone—collective effort is essential to help the victims,” he added.