Pakistan Strengthened Defence Ties With China: Bilawal

Headline: Bilawal Highlights China Ties, Urges Unity on Flood, Water Crisis

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari praised Pakistan’s defence cooperation with China during an interview with Chinese media. He said Chinese technology had helped Pakistan shoot down six Indian aircraft despite having limited resources. Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan values China’s philosophy of mutual benefit, not the Western idea of “with us or against us.” He reaffirmed that cooperation with China has always brought strategic gains for Pakistan.

Speaking on President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit to China, Bilawal said the trip focused on strengthening ties in agriculture and defence production. He noted that President Zardari has visited China more times than any other Pakistani president. Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the visit. These agreements are expected to boost both economic and security cooperation between the two countries.

Switching focus to domestic issues, Bilawal stressed that politics should not be played during flood disasters. He said the priority during such crises should be public safety and relief efforts. He also confirmed that the PPP continues to engage with the federal government on key development projects. Among these are the K-IV water project and other infrastructure initiatives in Sindh and Karachi.

Bilawal called on the Sindh government and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to solve the city’s worsening water crisis. He pointed to the recent launch of the Hub Canal project as a step forward. He also mentioned that two major sewage treatment plants are under construction. These plants are designed to recycle water and ease pressure on the city’s supply system.

The PPP chairman said the two plants will treat up to 100 million gallons per day (MGD), with 35 MGD processed on-site. He added that the treated water will be used for industrial needs, freeing up more clean water for households. Bilawal concluded by saying these initiatives are part of a long-term strategy to improve water access in Karachi.