Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has pledged to end subsidies, amounting to Rs1,500 billion, being granted to elites, saying that upon coming into power, his government would redirect these funds towards the welfare of the poor, Express News reported.

During an interaction with students in Islamabad, Bilawal emphasised the need to abolish 17 ministries in the federal government that should have been ended long ago.

He highlighted that the government lacks the financial resources to operate these ministries and pledged to shut them down upon assuming office.

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The PPP chairman expressed his commitment to redirect the Rs1,500 billion subsidy, currently benefiting the elites, towards the welfare of the impoverished.

“The issues of inflation, unemployment, and climate change are crucial, and I have formulated our manifesto to address these challenges. The manifesto has been developed in collaboration with experts. Pakistan is facing both an economic crisis and the impact of climate change. We will increase the budget to tackle these issues,” he remarked.

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Later, taking to X, Bilawal said that it was a pleasure engaging with the bright, young minds in Islamabad.

“The youth of Pakistan are worried about their futures. Economic instability, the climate crises, and political polarisation have thrown their hopes for a better tomorrow into doubt,” he added.

Bilawal said that the PPPs manifesto lays out a framework to pull Pakistan back from the precipice. “We recognise the most pressing issues of our country will not be resolved by continuing with old politics. A new way forward is needed. Join us and we can build a better future together,” he concluded.