Sharif’s claims at PDM rally came as ‘shock’: Bilawal

PPP chairman says opposition doesn’t want military leadership’s resignation

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has explicitly distanced himself and his party from PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s stance against the security establishment, saying that he was “shocked” when he heard the former premier mention the names of the army chief and ISI DG at the opposition’s rally in Gujranwala.

“It [Sharif’s claims during his speech] came as a shock for me because we don't usually speak this way at rallies,” the scion of the Bhutto dynasty said in an interview with a British media outlet published on Friday, exposing cracks within the 11-party opposition alliance, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), formed to send the PTI-led government packing.

Bilawal further said naming the military leadership was not on the PDM’s agenda decided during an all parties conference held before the Gujranwala rally and he was waiting for Sharif to present evidence to back up his claims.

He added that neither Sharif nor his party had informed the other parties in the PDM during the preparation of its agenda that they were going to mention the names of the military leadership.

“There was discussion [at the APC] on whether we should blame one institution or the entire establishment,” he elaborated. “It was decided not to name a single institution.”

The PPP chairman maintained that the opposition did not seek the military leadership’s resignation and Sharif and his party’s stance was their own.

“Mentioning the names [of the military leadership] was Sharif and his party’s personal decision,” he said.

“Let me make it clear that this [military leadership’s resignation] is neither part of our demands, nor does it reflect our position."

However, Bilawal backed Sharif’s right to take such a stand if he wanted.

“He [Sharif] has served as the country's prime minister thrice and I’m certain that he wouldn’t have mentioned the names without evidence.”

He added that he personally opposed making such allegations at rallies.

“I have not been able to meet Nawaz in person because of the Covid-19 pandemic and it is very important that I do so that we can have a detailed discussion on the issue.”

The PPP chairman also said he would wait for Sharif to bring forward evidence to back his claims.

“The establishment has several meanings and you can’t point towards one individual,” he added. “This will not be discussed at rallies."

Bilawal further said an individual could not be singled out for bringing Prime Minister Imran Khan to power.

He maintained that the PDM’s agenda reflected the policy of parties that were part of the alliance.

Rejecting the impression that the PPP had not clearly stated its position at PDM rallies, the PPP chairman said he and Sharif had the right to speak in their own different ways.

Speaking on the circumstances surrounding the PML-N leader Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar’ arrest in Karachi, Bilawal said there had not been any further correspondence between him and the army chief on the matter.

"I am aware that an inquiry is under way. I am sure that it will be completed and those found responsible will be identified and punished.”

Criticising PM Imran, Bilawal said PM Imran was using institutions as his personal 'Tiger Force'. He stressed the need for all institutions of the country to perform their functions as defined.

“My party and I stand by the agenda and resolution of the PDM and fully support it,” he said. Elaborating further, Bilawal said there were only "two ways" out of the current situation.

"One, we must understand that the country is going through a tough period and we make it more difficult. The second option we have is that we stop and think about how to proceed further."

He added that it has to be acknowledged that progressive democracy was the only way forward and a weak democracy is still better than a dictatorship. “My party has always tried to achieve the goal in a democratic manner, as much as possible."

Regarding elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said that he witnessed many emotional scenes and was met by people who were deeply devoted to his grandfather and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and his mother Benazir Bhutto.

After the PPP chairman’s interview was published, PML-N leader and Sharif’s spokesperson Mohammad Zubair said his party respected Bilawal as he was a part of the PDM.

"This is Bilawal's personal opinion. Nawaz Sharif has served as the country's premier and what he said at the Gujranwala rally is based on the PML-N government’s experience," he added.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb also described the PPP chief’s statement as his “personal opinion".

"What Nawaz Sharif said is a fact, and the witnesses are the people of Pakistan and Nawaz Sharif himself."

The PDM set off its countrywide protest campaign against the incumbent government by holding its first power show in Gujranwala on October 16.

Addressing the rally from London, Sharif, continuing with his aggressive rhetoric, fired a broadside not only against the prime minister but also against the establishment for stealing public mandate.