Bilawal Urges New NFC Award Announcement

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday called on the PML-N-led government to declare a revised National Finance Commission (NFC) award to allocate financial resources between the federal and provincial entities.

During his discourse with journalists in Hyderabad, the PPP leader emphasized the need for the immediate convening of an NFC meeting by the federal government to reveal a fresh award.

“While we have delegated responsibilities to the provincial administrations, the NFC Award has not been updated,” he observed.

On June 3, PM Shehbaz had pledged that the inaugural session regarding the NFC award would take place in August of the current year.

The PPP leader highlighted that the federal government should refrain from transferring its shortcomings to the provinces.

“The provinces should not be held accountable for the FBR’s inability to achieve tax objectives. This is a federal-level failure and those overseeing the FBR are responsible,” he remarked.

The PPP leader also advocated for the handover of resources related to the responsibilities devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment.

The PPP chairman noted that he was witnessing accelerated progress in the city for the first time.

“Various initiatives, including the Ring Road, are in progress. Hyderabad should be equipped with an airport as well. I will request the Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] to bestow this benefit upon the city,” the PPP leader added.

Bilawal commented: “The milestone success of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is not time-dependent but is everlasting.”

Addressing inquiries regarding the 27th Amendment, the PPP leader dismissed the circulating reports concerning potential legislation related to a 27th Amendment as “unfounded speculations”.

The ex-foreign minister noted that the federal government has not engaged with PPP — a crucial ally — about the 27th Amendment as of yet.