Bilawal Criticizes Remarks Suggesting Sindh-Punjab CM Swap, Urges Business Community to Engage Directly with PPP

Bilawal Criticizes Remarks Suggesting Sindh-Punjab CM Swap, Urges Business Community to Engage Directly with PPP

In response to remarks suggesting a swap between Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Punjab counterpart Maryam Nawaz, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called on the business community to directly approach him with their grievances rather than airing complaints publicly.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Sindh government for the business community, Bilawal said, “I request you to own the PPP. We are not that bad… show us the same kind of affection you showed to PTI and MQM.”

The luncheon came after trade leader Atiq Mir humorously proposed the CM swap during a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal on Sunday. The comment, though made in jest, was met with a sheepish smile from Iqbal but no formal response.

The Sindh government, however, took exception to the remark, with spokesperson Saadia Javed terming it disrespectful to the public’s mandate. Following backlash, Mir clarified that the statement was intended as a joke rather than a serious suggestion.

During his address, Bilawal underscored the luncheon’s purpose as a platform to address the concerns of traders. “If you have any complaint against the chief minister, talk to me directly, don’t complain elsewhere,” he said, stressing the importance of better communication between the government and the business community.

The PPP chairman’s remarks reflect his efforts to strengthen ties with traders and garner their support, particularly as the party faces challenges in a competitive political landscape.