KARACHI, October 14: In a significant step towards supporting the agricultural community, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), officially launched the Benazir Hari Card, fulfilling a major promise from his party’s election manifesto, the People’s Economic Agreement. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to poor farmers and small-scale growers throughout Sindh.
Key Features of the Benazir Hari Card
At the inauguration ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s House, Bhutto Zardari highlighted that the Benazir Hari Card will offer a range of benefits designed to empower farmers. These include:
- Targeted Subsidies: Direct financial assistance to help farmers manage their expenses and improve productivity.
- Access to Easy Loans: Facilitated loans to ensure farmers can invest in their crops and technology without excessive financial strain.
- Modern Agricultural Technology: Assistance in acquiring advanced agricultural tools and methods to enhance yield.
- Crop Insurance: Financial protection against losses due to unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters.
- Government Aid During Disasters: Immediate support from the government in the event of natural calamities impacting agriculture.
Commitment to Farmers’ Rights
During his address at the launch, Bhutto Zardari emphasized the PPP’s long-standing commitment to securing the rights of the underprivileged, particularly farmers and women. He pointed to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), initiated by the previous PPP government, as a global model for empowering women through financial assistance.
Reflecting on the historical context, he mentioned that during the tenure of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the focus was on creating an economy that benefited farmers. He noted that even when the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was influencing policies, Benazir Bhutto was vocal about the needs and rights of the agricultural community, demonstrating her unwavering support for farmers.
Agricultural Revolution and Economic Growth
Bhutto Zardari praised the transformative changes that occurred under President Asif Ali Zardari’s administration, which he credited with initiating an agricultural revolution that improved the economic conditions of farmers. He noted that as a result of strategic decisions, farmers flourished, and the overall economy became more resilient.
However, he expressed concern over the current economic landscape, stating that many segments of society are now facing distress and hardship. He underscored the responsibility of elected representatives to address these issues and reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to serving the people who have placed their trust in them.
Opposition to Deregulation and Climate Change Concerns
The PPP Chairman strongly condemned ongoing efforts by various groups—including industrialists and foreign entities—to deregulate the agricultural sector. He described these moves as shortsighted, especially in light of the pressing challenges posed by climate change, which threaten the livelihoods of farmers. He argued that investment in agriculture is essential for national development and called for an end to subsidies for fertilizer factories, advocating instead for these funds to be directed to farmers.
Legacy of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto
In his remarks, Bhutto Zardari recalled the commitment of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to implement the Charter of Democracy, a mission for which she ultimately sacrificed her life. He challenged the notion that unfinished tasks outlined in the charter should be neglected due to political circumstances, asserting that the PPP remains steadfast in its goals.
Justice System and Judicial Reforms
The Chairman raised questions about the current state of the justice system, urging the people of Sindh to reflect on its fairness. He posited that if the justice system is perceived as broken or unjust, it is crucial to consider the reforms laid out in the Charter of Democracy. He suggested the establishment of a constitutional court to address constitutional matters and protect fundamental rights, reiterating the party’s demands for reform in judicial appointments.
Call for Political Unity
Bhutto Zardari called for political unity to draft a democratic constitutional amendment that would address the existing flaws in the justice system. He expressed his intent to collaborate with other political leaders, including JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman, to work towards meaningful improvements in governance and justice through the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment.
Invitation to Grand Jalsa
To commemorate the martyrs and the tragedy of Karsaz, Bhutto Zardari extended an invitation to the public to join a Grand Jalsa in Hyderabad on October 18. He urged supporters to come together in solidarity and remembrance.
Conclusion
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari distributed Benazir Hari Cards to farmers, with many more participants joining online from various districts across Sindh. The event was attended by prominent PPP leaders, including Women Wing Central President Faryal Talpur, Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and Sindh Agriculture Minister Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, reflecting a unified effort to support the agricultural community and advance the party’s agenda for economic and social reform.
