\u00a0Karachi(National Times)- PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday said the federal government had made up its mind to impose emergency or governor\u2019s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; however, his party suggested finding a political solution to fight terrorism in a \u201cbetter way\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing an event in Karachi, Bilawal said that the federal government had been in contact with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PPP regarding the recent security situation, particularly in KP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting the terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, Bilawal said, \u201cIn my opinion, the federal government had made up its mind and was 100 per cent ready; they wanted to immediately impose emergency or governor\u2019s rule in KP.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He noted that although imposing governor\u2019s rule or emergency in any province was a Constitutional tool, the PPP \u201cwas of the view that before dropping this constitutional atomic bomb, political parties should absolutely find a political solution to fight terrorism in a better way\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharing his party\u2019s view, Bilawal said the PPP wanted to hold talks with the protesting party \u2014 the PTI \u2014 regarding its planned Oct 4 long march to Islamabad before making any decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While calling on all parties to engage in dialogue with PTI before imposing emergency, he also urged the latter to abandon its long march to Islamabad and acknowledge the success of their protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bilawal said the PTI protest had been somewhat successful as the capital \u201chas been shut for 10 days\u201d, even if the party had not marched towards it. \u201cA political party or worker should see that you have achieved success on the political stage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, he pointed out: \u201cBut it is also correct that while you are focusing on your own politics, there is terrorist activity in KP every other day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf the provincial government does not consider this issue of terrorism and law and order important, and there are allegations that they are not standing with the federation, then we may be forced to declare an emergency or governor\u2019s rule.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The PPP chief noted that the terrorist threat from Afghanistan and India\u2019s \u201chideous role\u201d in supporting it was apparent. \u201cDo not see terrorism through a political lens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want to come together to fight terrorism and not view it as a political issue, but a national one,\u201d Bilawal emphasised, recalling a recent meeting<\/a> between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Zardari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bhutto scion called for a written agreement between the KP and federal governments which would outline \u201chow they will combat terrorism together\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf there is any political deadlock, it needs to be kept separate from issues like terrorism or national interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government and PPP are jointly engaged in talks with the opposition, aimed at defusing the country\u2019s ongoing political crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussions precede the PTI\u2019s planned Oct 4 protest march demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, which has emerged as the latest point of contention between the party and the federal government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The decision to have talks with the opposition was taken after PM Shehbaz called on<\/a> President Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad earlier this week. National security, institutional cooperation on law and order and the possibility of using emergency powers were among the topics discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A joint delegation comprising PML-N and PPP leaders met the opposition<\/a> on Friday, with a second round of talks held on Saturday. As the politicians gathered at Parliament House, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq expressed hope that the talks would proceed in the same \u201ccordial atmosphere\u201d as the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier in his speech, Bilawal congratulated the people of Karachi on the completion of a water project and added that the PPP saw its first success in local government elections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have started a 35m gallon water treatment project, and this water will fulfil the needs of SITE,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe dirty water that used to pollute Karachi, our sea and our river will be treated, bringing benefits for all. In the second phase, 65 million gallons will be treated by January. Once this is completed, the capacity will reach 100 million gallons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe number one priority for us is water. Eight per cent of Sindh\u2019s water comes through Irsa<\/a>,\u201d Bilawal said, referring to the Indus River System Authority, which releases water downstream into Sindh. However, persistent water shortages due to Irsa not releasing sufficient water have triggered strong protests<\/u><\/a> in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said Karachi and Sindh \u201cdo not get our deserved share\u201d as the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord has not been implemented. \u201cRather than giving us water, they pursue projects without our permission, which causes water shortages in Sindh and Karachi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Sindh government and KMC (Karachi Metropolitan Corporation) prioritised saving water for the people of Karachi, so that they can avail extra water,\u201d Bilawal outlined, adding that several months ago, a 25m gallon water treatment facility was inaugurated in Kemari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs the mayor told you, the capacity will be increased by 55 million gallons, so that we can deliver those benefits to the people of Kemari,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calling it the first project of its kind in Pakistan, Bilawal expressed hope that the needs of people in Karachi\u2019s SITE area would be met, noting that it is the \u201cengine\u201d for the economy of the city and Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Bilawal announces water projects for Karachi\u2019s SITE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n