'We're in the perfect storm': FM Bilawal on Pakistan's political, economic turmoil

 

'We're in the perfect storm': FM Bilawal on Pakistan's political, economic turmoil
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari speaks during a press stakeout at the United Nations' headquarters in New York, US. — Twitter/@BBhuttoZardari


Following Pakistan's worsening political and economic crisis, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Wednesday that the country was facing a "perfect storm".

"Unfortunately, Pakistan is facing a perfect storm. Not only do we have increased partisanship and political polarization to the extent that political parties or political actors are not even able to sit in a room and discuss issues with each other, we are also facing an economic crisis," the politician said during interview for the American channel The Daily Show.

He also stated that while the country is facing a security threat and crisis due to the fall of the Afghan government and the increasing frequency of terrorist attacks, it is also reeling from the worst climate disaster in history.

Responding to a question about the ongoing unrest in Pakistan - over the imminent arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, the minister said that while the country is dealing with chaos and concurrent crises, the PTI chief believes the law does not apply to him.

A heavy police force arrived at Zaman Park - Khan's residence in Lahore - in the early hours of Wednesday after Islamabad police failed to arrest him during violent clashes between PTI workers and anti-riot forces in and around the party chief's residence that left scores of activists stranded. and police officers injured since Tuesday.

In this particular case, it's not that I want to arrest Mr. Khan In case Mr. Khan is facing arrest because of his ego," the minister said, adding that the former prime minister thinks he is "too important" and will not go to court."

"A complete mockery of the justice system"

Bilawal said the forces benefiting from "undemocratic governance in Pakistan" did not like it when political parties merged following the death of his mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. "So they supported Mr. Khan and brought him to power. And now that has blown up not only for those individuals, but it has had serious consequences for our country," he said.

When asked how political instability affects Pakistan's economy, the minister replied, “The agreement with the IMF was made by the previous government [which] broke the agreement with the IMF. I think when Pakistan is facing such a perfect storm, some of the problems that we have created ourselves, some of the problems like the flood and others are our own, the IMF conversation should really take that into account, and I don't think that in this it is like that for a while.'

He added that whether it is Pakistan's agreements with the IMF or the country's own internal economic policies, there is a heavy burden on the poorest of the poor. but we need a fundamental reform of how we talk about our economy and what decisions we make domestically to achieve this," said FM Bilawal.

'fog'

When the host asked the minister about Pakistan-US relations, especially terrorism, whatever happened in the war on terror and beyond, there was a fog of war that colored everyone's judgment. create, understand everything".

He said that Afghanistan is a reality and the world should take this issue seriously.

"Based on the facts on the ground, the position and perspective of Pakistan and the United States, I believe we are seeing an example." [...] We can honestly talk about

Talking about the return of the Taliban to power, Bilawal said that Pakistan, although neighboring Afghanistan, is not recognized diplomatically, but forced to deal with the reality of the border.

The foreign minister commented on the Taliban ban on women's education: "I believe we started on a positive note, but if I consider what is happening in women's education and their right to education, it is very difficult for me and others." I want to work with them and find solutions to the problems facing the people of Afghanistan."

He said that the decision taken by the interim government of Afghanistan "does not help us" and added that the main concern of the government is what will happen in Afghanistan, and Pakistan is the first to feel the consequences.

Commenting on the security situation, Bilawal said that the worse the economic situation in Afghanistan, the more terrorist groups will be able to recruit and recruit people.

The foreign minister reiterated his talks with the Taliban and asked the Taliban to "allow girls to study."

Addressing Pakistan's climate crisis, Bilawal said the country is still facing its consequences, but the domestic focus and political discourse has shifted away from the issue.

Referring to the current political situation in the country, the foreign minister said that Pakistan's attention was diverted from the climate crisis, which has affected the lives of more than 33 million people, left more than eight million homeless and damaged the economy.

Bilawal urges the international community to work together to solve the problem, which is not just a country's problem.

He said the world must work together to find the money to deal with the loss and damage associated with climate change.

Should the world come together and decide we're going to stay out of the war?" Is it controversy and politics as usual or will we find a solution to this problem? He said.

I thank the international community for standing by Pakistan at this difficult time - once at COP27 and secondly at the Climate Sustainable Pakistan Conference in Geneva.

Bilawal also said that due to the melting of glaciers, there will be more water from rivers in Pakistan.

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