KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the budget 2020-21 unveiled by the federal government has been rejected by all political parties as it was not ‘people-friendly’.

Addressing a press conference here today, Bilawal said that the budget did not include any mega package to fight coronavirus.

“Federal government might thought COVID-19 is not an issue anymore. I want to inform them that the pandemic is global and the world is taking all precautionary measures against it. But seems the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) doesn’t take things seriously,” he said.

The PPP chief said that the government focused on development projects instead of focusing on health in the newly announced budget.

“Budget 2020-21 shows non-seriousness of this government. People are dying due to this deadly virus, but the government is more focused on development projects. Seems health is not a big issue for PTI-led government,” Bilawal said.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari highlighted importance of unity at every level to handle COVID-19 pandemic.

“People across the country needed to be supported and facilitated to brave the ailment and its repercussions,” he said.

Expressing his party support for the 18th amendment in the constitution, PPP chairman agreed that it needed to be implemented in the true spirit and powers ought to be devolved to union levels.

He also expressed his concern about possible takeover of three teaching hospitals in Karachi by the federal government mentioning that this would affect the specialized training programs for doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel belonging to Sindh.

Bilawal also responded to queries raised by the journalists and commented about the recently announced federal budget.

Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Health Minister, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Education Minister Senator Saeed Ghani, and other party leaders were also present during the press conference which was held at the Bilawal House here.