Bilawal urges federal govt to declare 'agricultural emergency' amid devastating floods

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday called on the federal government to announce an ‘agricultural emergency’ in view of the widespread destruction caused by the floods.

Speaking to media after visiting the flood-affected people in Muzaffargarh, he pointed out that farmers have suffered the most and called for urgent government assistance, stressing that every possible resource should be used to compensate for the heavy damages.

Bilawal also urged the government provide farmers with free or subsidized seeds and fertilizers on easy installments so they can restart cultivation.

The PPP chief said he had visited the flood-affected areas of Lahore, Kasur, and Multan, where the situation remains alarming.

He emphasized that natural disasters unfold in three phases—rescue, relief, and rehabilitation—and that the time has now come to focus on practical steps for the rehabilitation of victims.

Bilawal suggested that the federal government should effectively utilize the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to extend direct financial aid to affected families, just as it had successfully done in the past.

As per the PPP chairman, BISP has the capacity to ensure timely assistance reaches millions of households.

Bilawal Bhutto also called for the waiver of electricity bills for farmers until the flood situation completely subsides, allowing them some relief in this difficult period.

He called on the United Nations (UN) and the international community to urgently step forward and support Pakistan’s flood victims.

Stressing the need to rise above politics, Bilawal said the focus must remain solely on helping the people.

“This is not the time for differences; this is the time to serve humanity,” Bilawal asserted.

The PPP chairman also urged the media to play its role by becoming the voice of the victims and ensuring constructive coverage.

He commended Punjab’s media for its efforts and expressed hope that other provinces would follow the same example.

Bilawal Bhutto described the situation as a national challenge that requires a joint effort by the federal and provincial governments, private institutions, and the global community to overcome.