Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced his concerns about the ongoing delay in announcing the general elections. He suggested that this delay was primarily attributed to one prominent individual, implicitly referring to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Speaking at an event commemorating the 16th anniversary of the Karsaz tragedy in Karachi, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stressed that the past 16 months under the coalition government had highlighted the inefficacy of running Pakistan from abroad, possibly alluding to Nawaz Sharif’s self-imposed exile in London.
The PPP chairman underscored the necessity of Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan, emphasizing the anticipation of a substantial impact on the nation’s political landscape. Furthermore, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to promptly release the election schedule, emphasizing the crucial role of elections in steering Pakistan towards progress.
“Our former ally would also agree that delay in elections is not ‘vote ki izzat’ (respect of the vote) but ‘vote ki beizzati’ (disrespect of the vote),” Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari noted, alluding to the popular slogan of the PML-N.
The PPP chairman advocated for a shift away from divisive politics and the need for visionary leadership that focuses on the future rather than dwelling on the past. He expressed a desire for a contemporary Pakistan, emphasizing, “We don’t want 90s’ Pakistan or 2017’s Pakistan. We want today’s Pakistan… Pakistan of 2023… a modern Pakistan.”
In evaluating the current state of Pakistan, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed concern about the country’s direction and the fragile state of the economy. He lamented the current state of democracy, calling for elections to reinvigorate democratic principles.
Reflecting on the PPP’s past achievements during their previous tenure, he highlighted their commitment to unity and the introduction of groundbreaking programs such as the Benazir Income Support Programme.
“We have to bury the politics of division and revive the politics of unity. Only then can Pakistan attain stability. We can only address our issues if we have stability… we need political stability,” he stressed.
لائیو: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کا کراچی میں سانحہ کارساز شہدا کی یاد اور اسرائیلی مظالم کے خلاف احتجاجی جلسہ https://t.co/uu1gq8zQ3m
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) October 18, 2023
On the economic front, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the importance of policies that benefit the people, asserting that an empowered populace leads to a flourishing economy. He debunked the notion that the PPP is not business-friendly and cited the Thar Coal project as a testament to their dedication to national development.
Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he credited former President Asif Ali Zardari with laying the foundation of this transformative initiative, recalling that he had been criticized for his frequent visits to China. Bilawal noted the irony that those who once criticized the project were now claiming credit for its success.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari pledged that, if elected, his party would spearhead another economic corridor, creating job opportunities and promoting economic growth. He also highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change and stressed the need for infrastructure improvements through strategic investments.
In his closing remarks, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari resonated with the aspirations of Pakistan’s youth, rejecting the politics of revenge and advocating for a modern, forward-thinking Pakistan that offers opportunities both within the country and on the global stage.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s speech underlines the urgency of announcing election dates promptly to ensure the country’s progress and democratic values. He calls for a departure from divisive politics, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership and people-centric policies to steer Pakistan towards a brighter future.
