ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has addressed various issues ahead of the upcoming general elections and accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of pressurising the administration to influence the decision.
In an interview with VOA Urdu, Bilawal emphasized his party’s focus on contesting the polls independently, warned against alleged political pressure, and stressed the need for fair and transparent elections.
Bilawal reiterated that the PPP was not forming alliances with other parties and will fight the elections based on its own manifesto.
“I am contesting the elections and trying to ensure that the People’s Party wins and forms a government,” he told the news outlet.
He accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N of pressuring the administration, warning him against any interference in the electoral process. He expressed confidence that the administration will resist such pressure.
“Despite Nawaz Sharif’s pressure, the administration will not take any such step,” the PPP chief hoped.
While avoiding direct comment on the military’s role, Bilawal emphasized the need for politicians to take responsibility in reducing its influence in politics. “I did not talk about the role of the establishment in any way,” he stressed.
He also expressed concern over the arrest of political workers and advocated for fair and peaceful elections. He urged politicians to maintain respect and avoid hostility. “Pakistan’s democracy needs more effort,” he insisted, adding that politicians should work within the realm of politics.
“In the past, we have seen even tougher and more difficult situations. The arrest of political supporters should be stopped immediately,” he added.
The PPP leader deemed aligning with the PML-N challenging, citing differing political approaches and accusing Sharif of promoting “politics of hatred” that could harm the country.
“This is not the same PML-N that signed the Charter of Democracy. It has become very difficult to go along with the PML-N,” Bilawal remarked.
He reiterated his belief in a biased administration favouring the PML-N and called for transparent elections. “The first step for reducing the role of the establishment in politics will have to be taken by the politicians themselves,” he stressed.
PPP gears up electioneering, Bilawal holds rally in Karachi
Meanwhile, PPP has geared up electioneering and party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari kicked off the election rally in Karachi.
Chairman PPP headed the rally which passed through major parts of the metropolis.
The PPP rally started from Bilawal house and passed through Lee Market, Shireen Jinnah Colony, Kemari, Tower, Chakiwara, Shershah, Purana Golimar, Rizvia Chowrangi, Lasbela, Gulbahar.
The Rally concluded at Malir Kala Board after passing through Hasan Square, Nazimabad Petrol Pump, Liaquatabad No. 10, Safora, Malir Cantt via University Road.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressed the rally at several places across Karachi.
Earlier, while addressing a public gathering in Shikarpur Bilawal raised ‘Na Khappay, na Khappay, Mian Sahib na Khappay’ (We don’t want Nawaz) slogans.
He said that other parties were dividing the people in the name of religion, sect and ethnicity. He said that the people of Pakistan know that only his party could get the country out of economic crises, if elected to power.
“I will bury the politics of hatred and division after becoming the prime minister as the PPP does not believe in the politics of victimization, hatred and division,” he added.
Bilawal said that he would serve the people without any discrimination, asking the people to vote for “Arrow” in the 8th February General Elections 2024.
