Zardari envisions 'national unity govt' post elections

Former president acknowledges Bilawal's talent but says his son lacks experience in political matters

KARACHI:

PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has predicted formation of a "national unity government" in the wake of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. The former president has claimed that no single party is likely to secure a simple majority of 172 seats in the National Assembly.

In an interview with a private news channel, Zardari explained that moving a no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan was necessary to prevent an economic downturn and hyper-inflation. He criticised the previous PTI government, claiming that it led to the country's isolation on the international stage.

Labeling Imran Khan as the "enemy of Pakistan’s economy," Zardari accused the imprisoned PTI chief of planning to rig elections with the involvement of a retired army official. When the anchor asked if he was referring to former spymaster General (retd) Faiz Hameed, he responded in the affirmative.

Read More: Bilawal dials up rhetoric against ‘the old guard’

Zardari disclosed his refusal to leave Pakistan in May 2021, citing concerns about demoralizing his political workers. He vaguely mentioned an offer during the PTI government to take six ministries. Discussing his support for PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif's candidacy for the prime ministerial position after Imran Khan's potential ouster through a no-confidence vote last year, Zardari said the PML-N had the numerical strength required for the role in the National Assembly.

Regarding the Balochistan Awami Party's (BAP) recent alignment with the PML-N, Zardari claimed it was a forced union rather than a voluntary one. Zardari criticized PTI leader Moonis Elahi for remaining absconding despite his father Parvez Elahi’s ordeal in jail. He acknowledged supporting Shehbaz Sharif due to his work ethics but expressed regret that his advice on trade matters was not always heeded.

The PPP supreme leader predicted a coalition government after the February 8 elections, stating that his political involvement was a compulsion and that he was carrying forward the legacy of his spouse, PPP former chairperson Benazir Bhutto. On Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's recent criticism of veteran politicians, Zardari acknowledged his son's better eloquence but highlighted his lack of experience.

On the PML-N-MQM-P alliance, Zardari said that it was the democratic right of the latter to join any alliance. He, however, denied backtracking from his party’s promises to the MQM-P. Refuting claims of a "double game" by the interim Punjab government, Zardari dismissed allegations of its proxy association with the PML-N.

Read More: PML-N, MQM-P 'alliance' to benefit entire country: Rafique

He defended the 18th Constitutional Amendment, stating that any attempt to roll it back would be met with resistance from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. Zardari emphasized the positive impact of the 18th Constitutional Amendment on provincial development. The PPP leader pledged to address the issue of missing persons, especially in Balochistan, once in government.  He acknowledged Bilawal's leadership of the PPP but highlighted that he also oversees PPP-Parliamentarians, issuing party tickets per Benazir Bhutto's wishes.

In a lighter vein, Zardari responded to Rana Sanaullah's seat predictions for the PML-N in Punjab, stating, "there is no tax on speaking." He described the youth's migration abroad as a patriotic desire to serve the country. Zardari called for further strengthening the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure free and fair elections. He predicted that the PTI party, which has been facing a crackdown since May this year, will contest the 2024 elections, clarifying he was not against their participation in the electoral process.