Bilawal sees ‘some PTI leaders’ in election race

Ex-FM says PPP parted ways 'after Shehbaz strayed from vote ko izzat do’

KARACHI:

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that at least some leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will still be able to participate in the forthcoming elections.

In response to a question regarding the likelihood of the Imran Khan-led party's participation, Bilawal said, “I believe that at least some candidates from PTI will take part in the electoral process”.

However, those who have "run away" will not be partaking in the upcoming polls, he added.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi on Wednesday, Bilawal also said that the consequences of the alliance between the PML-N and MQM-P would be suffered by both parties while asserting that his own party would remain unscathed.

The former foreign minister predicted that both parties – who recently joined hands to enter the electoral fray together – would equally bear the brunt of the impact of this union.

He further clarified that the PPP aligned itself with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif as long as the latter’s narrative revolved around the principle of "vote ko izzat do" (respect the vote).

However, when the former premier strayed from the narrative, the PPP found it impossible to continue offering its support.

Speaking about the previous government of the coalition government of PDM – in which the PPP played a significant role following the removal of PTI chief Imran Khan – Bilawal stressed that the PPP never resorted to forceful measures to bring any party into the government.

“Neither did we compel JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to join the government nor coerce Shehbaz Sharif to become the prime minister,” he added.

The PPP, he highlighted, has stood out for its desire for elections due to its long-standing interest in actively contesting polls, stemming from unwavering trust in the people and electorate.

‘Victory inevitable with or without fair play’

The PPP chairperson expressed confidence in his party's success in the upcoming February 8 elections, stating that victory was inevitable "with or without a level playing field."

He asserted that PPP will not only form government in the province but also at the Centre.

“It will be the first time that a jiyala would be a prime minister, [Sindh] chief minister, and [Karachi] mayor,” he added.

Bilawal said that his party would change the fortunes of Karachi, as well as the province if elected during the polls.

“We will create sports facilities in each district of Karachi. We want youth to take interest in sports so they don’t get involved in bad activities,” he added.

The PPP chairman said the people of Karachi and Malir were with his party, urging them to use the power of the vote to bring prosperity to the metropolis.

“We want the youth to attain skills so they can earn a livelihood. PPP’s first duty is to help the masses in need and if we are voted into power, we will continue our mission,” he maintained.

To a question about a level-playing field, Bilawal said that PPP has never been provided one in the past as well.

“We were not given it during the 1998 elections but people made their decision and we formed the government. We were also not provided it during the 2008 elections. Many of our workers were martyred during the Karsaz [tragedy]. Benazir Bhutto was also martyred in Rawalpindi.

“I would ask workers not to complain about a level playing field because we are never provided one. But I assure you that only PPP will emerge victorious in elections,” he further said.

‘PPP open to facing rivals in Sindh’

Separately, senior party leader Shazia Marri said that certain parties felt uncomfortable with the PPP's discourse about elections, stressing that, "Our red carpet is elections," she stressed.

The information secretary of the party said that the PPP was open to facing opponents in elections in Sindh, adding that the formation of alliances was a common occurrence but “in every election, our votes and seats increase”.

Despite facing opposition and conspiracies, the PPP remains determined to compete vigorously in the political field, she proclaimed.

While advocating for the survival of democracy in the country, Marri clarified that the PPP does not stand against the country's institutions. Instead, its objective is to promote the flourishing of democratic principles and sustain a healthy political environment.