Bilawal Warns Federal Govt Against Encroaching on Sindh’s Rights

KARACHI – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday accused the federal government of attempting to take control over provincial education and population welfare powers, calling such moves “wrong” and vowing to defend Sindh’s rights.

Speaking at the inauguration of a new Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) unit in Karachi, Bilawal said that any attempt to undermine the province’s authority would be met with resistance. He highlighted the significant improvements in healthcare facilities in Sindh after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, passed during the PPP-led federal government in 2010, which devolved powers from the Centre to the provinces.

Bilawal recalled that during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the federal administration had attempted to take over the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) from Sindh. He praised the provincial government for establishing a network of SIUTs and other hospitals at international standards and mentioned that a PPP Punjab chapter ticket holder had requested similar free healthcare facilities in Punjab.

Read more: Bilawal Warns Against Tampering with 18th Amendment, NFC Award

The PPP leader also criticized the health card program in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), questioning its model and expressing concerns over the shift of government funds toward private hospitals. He challenged the federal and KP governments to present their 15-year population planning record, adding that Sindh’s performance would speak for itself.

Bilawal reaffirmed his commitment to defending provincial rights and warned that attempts to undo the 18th Amendment or the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award were “playing with fire.” He emphasized that the 18th Amendment remains the most significant devolution of powers after the 1973 Constitution, ensuring provinces retain control over key sectors such as education and population welfare.