Islamabad: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said peace is not only a political requirement but it is basic condition for economic uplift, investment and national stability.

He said this while speaking in National Assembly (NA) on Thursday during debate on federal budget for the financial year 2026-27.

He held the political forces will have to adopt joint strategy for safeguarding national interests by setting aside their differences.

A new ray of hope has surfaced for region and world today and the recent peace deal bears evidence to it talks and dialogue are preferable always.

Paying tributes to PM Shehbaz Sharif , president Asif Ali Zardari, Field Marshall Asim Munir and armed forces he said Pakistan has launched successful struggle against terrorism and it has always kept the flag of peace high.

He went on to say when there is peace in the region then investment comes. Economy is fortified and country develops. However the region is still not peaceful. Such elements are there which want to cause harm to peace.

Citing to threats like operation Sindoor-2 he said countering the challenges facing Pakistan is possible only through national unity.

He remarked rumors were spread by certain circles about abolition of 18th amendment. However government and all political forces evolved such democratic and constitutional solution with consensus wherein the requirements of national security and provincial rights were kept in view.

He held all the provinces have shown willingness to put their share in national interest and positive role of all political parties including PTI should be appreciated.

Pointing to India-Israel nexus he said the entire nation is alive to conspiracies against Pakistan. These will be countered with unity.

Criticizing Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) is regrettable, he said adding government has decided to increase budget of this program.

People of Gilgit-Baltistan reposed trust on PPP, he said.

Pointing to Azad Kashmir situation he said political differences and protest is our democratic right. However taking the law into hands cannot be allowed.

Supporting right to votes and representation of refugees, he said no compromise can be made in this regard.