Bilawal says not afraid of ‘politicians from Lahore’

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday dismissed any notion that his party could be intimidated by the “politicians from Lahore”, asserting that a vigorous contest was awaited in the upcoming elections.

Addressing an election rally in Rahim Yar Khan, a day after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s maiden election speech in Hafizabad, Bilawal said that the PPP would contest the elections without the fear of anyone, and with full determination to win.

In an apparent reference to the PML-N leadership, Bilawal said that the tiger – the electoral symbol of the PML-N — emerged yesterday (Thursday) and “I hope he does not retreat after seeing the huge number of people” present at the rally.

Read more: Bilawal accuses Nawaz of snatching electoral symbols

“I have a message for the ‘politicians from Lahore’ that we are not afraid and will take the challenge [to contest polls] head-on,” the PPP chief told the cheering crowd. “The victory belongs to you [people], the (Pakistan) Peoples Party, and the arrow [the electoral symbol of the PPP],” he said.

He acknowledged the difficulties being faced by the masses because of rising unemployment and inflation. However, he emphasised that only the PPP was earnestly contesting the elections based on its manifesto to mitigate people’s problems.

He promised to implement the PPP’s 10-point welfare agenda to combat inflation and poverty immediately after assuming the government if elected on Feb 8.

He assured the people that he would always fulfil the promises made to the masses.

Also read: Bilawal urges heavy mandate to implement PPP agenda

In an apparent reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Bilawal said that a former prime minister promised to build five million houses, but nothing happened, while “we have initiated the process of building homes in Sindh and providing property rights to the people”.

Turning his attention towards fiscal discipline, the former foreign minister pledged to redirect funds from the seven federal ministries, to the tune of Rs300 billion, towards the welfare of the people.

“We will shut down these ministries and spend these Rs300 billion on the people,” he declared.
He emphasised the need for aligning government expenditures with the priorities of the people.

“Our mission is not just to govern; it’s to serve the people. We will ensure that every rupee spent is in the best interest of the citizens we represent.”

The PPP chairman stated that every year, Rs1,500 billion was allocated for subsidies to the elite.
“If our party comes to power, we will stop the subsidy to the elites and utilise the funds for public welfare,” he asserted.