Hard to vote for PML-N, we'll form own govt: Bilawal

Former foreign minister and chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has taken a firm stand on various political issues, shedding light on the party's strategies and goals during a recent appearance on Express News programme "Center Stage".

Addressing the prevalent political scenario, Bilawal expressed his view that Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) cannot participate in elections without chaos and violence. He criticised the politics of violence, asserting that the people reject such approaches.

Emphasising PPP's commitment to serving the people without discrimination, he declared his dedication to transforming the fate of Karachi, the city of his birth.

During the interview, Bilawal highlighted the PPP's achievements in local body elections in Karachi and expressed confidence in replicating that success in the upcoming general elections. He urged the people to vote for the 'arrow', the electoral symbol of PPP, to contribute to the party's triumph.

Commenting on the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM), Bilawal acknowledged that the alliance retreated from its initial goals after 16 months in government. He explained his decision to join the coalition government led by Shehbaz Sharif, citing economic and diplomatic crises that required a united front.

Also read: ‘If anyone can resolve missing person issue, it’s me’, says Bilawal

Responding to concerns about independent candidates, Bilawal clarified that not all independents are affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He refuted the misconception that every independent candidate is a PTI ticket holder.

In a significant announcement, Bilawal ruled out the possibility of supporting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form a government. Instead, he asserted the PPP's intention to establish its own government, participating in elections for all positions, including the prime minister and president.

Expressing dissatisfaction with traditional politics of hatred and division, Bilawal distanced himself from practices reminiscent of the 1990s, emphasising his commitment to a politics of unity. He criticised the politics of PTI founder Imran Khan, highlighting its focus on filing cases against opponents.

Addressing recent events surrounding the PTI's iconic 'bat' electoral symbol, Bilawal revealed insider information about dissatisfaction within the PTI ranks. He underscored the PTI founder's discontent with legal preparations and the lack of a proper team.

Looking ahead, Bilawal outlined key priorities for PPP, including addressing inflation and unemployment. He proposed a shift toward public-private partnerships, drawing from the success of such initiatives in Sindh.

Bilawal expressed his desire to allocate tax collection targets to provinces, promoting revenue generation without relying on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

Regarding the Toshakhana case against the PTI founder and his wife, Bilawal admitted limited information but emphasised the serious nature of the cypher case, citing its potential impact on national security.

Despite security challenges in Balochistan, Bilawal remained resilient, stating that the party would respond to terrorist attacks with the power of the vote. He stressed the importance of holding elections on February 8, declaring that any retreat would be a victory for terrorists.