Bilawal accepts Shehbaz’s debate dare

In the ongoing clash of political titans ahead of the general elections, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has upped the ante by accepting the debate challenge thrown by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif.

Bilawal, the PPP's prime ministerial candidate, had given the challenge on Friday, proposing three locations in Sindh for a high-stakes debate against three-time ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

“As I am a PPP candidate vying for the PM post [in the upcoming general elections], [international norms dictate that] the PML-N candidate (Nawaz Sharif) should come forward and engage in a debate with me,” the scion of the Bhutto family issued the challenge on his official X account.

Bilawal said, “I invite the PM candidate of PML-N, Nawaz Sharif, to engage in a debate with me anytime, anywhere before Feb 8.” The former minister took aim at the former coalition partner PML-N, asserting: "Politicians who have held the Prime Minister Office thrice are angling for the chair for the fourth time.”

In an apparent dig at Nawaz, Bilawal had said that the former prime minister had no inclination to address the pressing issues faced by the people. He said, “Globally, Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates participate in televised debates, providing voters with crucial insights into their plans.

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“This transparency is vital for an informed electorate ahead of the voting process.” The duel of words has added another layer to the intense rivalry between the two major political parties as the nation gears up for the upcoming elections on February 8.Shehbaz’s replyShehbaz Sharif, in response, took a witty jab at Bilawal's US-style debate challenge, suggesting that instead of a dare, it would have been better if Nawaz Sharif was invited to inspect Sindh.

Speaking at a public rally in Rawalpindi, Shehbaz cryptically stated, “A political leader and my friend said he wanted to have a debate with Nawaz Sharif.”

Without directly naming Bilawal, Shehbaz emphasised that those with complaints about the lion not hunting will find out the truth on February 8.  The PML-N has been critical of the PPP's performance in Sindh, where the latter has been in power for over 15 years, following the end of the PDM-led government.

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Undeterred by the taunt, Bilawal swiftly responded on Twitter, expressing his readiness for both a debate and an inspection. The PPP chairman proposed three locations in Sindh for the duel: Karachi, Gambat Tehsil of Khairpur District, and Tharparkar.

In Gambat, Bilawal claimed that hospitals surpass any in Punjab, offering free treatment. He criticised Nawaz for never visiting Gambat despite three terms in office.

Another proposed venue was Tharparkar, where Bilawal suggested inspecting the infrastructure and comparing it with Cholistan. “The infrastructure of Thar will also be inspected,” he said. Slamming Sharifs, Bilawal said: “Thar coal project, which was opposed by you and your brother, is not only providing cheap electricity to Karachi but Faisalabad too.”

He also threw the option of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi into the mix, highlighting the facility's service to over 84,000 patients from Punjab last year.