Pakistan, June 18 -- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has strongly defended the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), describing criticism of the social welfare initiative as regrettable and reaffirming his party's commitment to protecting and expanding it.

Addressing the National Assembly on Thursday, Bilawal said BISP had proven its effectiveness over the years and had earned recognition both within Pakistan and internationally for its role in supporting vulnerable families.

He expressed concern over what he described as attempts to target the programme, stating that the PPP would continue to defend it regardless of political criticism. "Whether anyone else defends it or not, we will continue to stand by...