PML-N trying to ‘beg its way into govt’: Bilawal

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Wednesday laced into the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for what he called backing out from its earlier "do or die" politics and resorting to the “politics of begging”.

Addressing an election rally in Azad Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, Bilawal pointedly criticised his political rivals for having no qualms in making attempts to beg their way into government.

“If they have to beg to become the prime minister, they will do it.”

However, the chairman maintained that his party would back any no-confidence motion moved against Prime Minister Imran Khan or Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar.

"But we will not become a part of a political alliance to eat halwa or nihari in the future," he said, adding a caveat.

Bilawal said PPP would emerge victorious in the key Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections. “Jiyalas would head towards Bani Gala — PM Imran Khan's residence — after triumphing over the opponents.”

Referring to PM Imran’s electoral promises, Bilawal said: "The real face of 'tabdeeli' is historic inflation, poverty, and unemployment”.

Bilawal’s statements come a day after PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz ruled out any deal with the establishment. "People bring up a 'deal' all the time," she said, adding: "Why would there be a deal and with whom?"

"We aren't insane to strike a deal after such a long struggle. We'll get to terms with it when things settle down."

The closely watched AJK polls will be held on July 25 with all major political parties feverishly rallying in a heated contest.

A day earlier, at the request of the Azad Kashmir government, the federal cabinet approved the deployment of military and paramilitary troops in addition to 11,000 police officials to ensure transparent elections.

In a letter to the interior ministry, the AJK government had sought the deployment of troops in the region to perform security duty on the Election Day.

The request was forwarded to the cabinet which subsequently approved it through a circular issued late Tuesday night.