Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Saturday claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan was backing down from the prime ministerial race, saying that he was deliberately refraining from fielding a candidate for the slot against PML-N’s Shehbaz Sharif.
During a visit to the New Karachi area, Bilawal asserted that the PTI should be honest with its workers about lacking a majority in the National Assembly, adding that the former ruling party did not obstruct Shehbaz’s path as it had insufficient number to form a government.
He speculated, "I think Khan sahib himself must have decided not to field a candidate against Shehbaz Sharif."
Commenting on Imran’s letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding election rigging and audit, the PPP chairman dismissed its efficacy, warning that it would only exacerbate the crisis in Pakistan, leading to increased unemployment and inflation.
He accused Imran of prioritising his political interests over national concerns. “He has been unmasked before the people.”
Bilawal also lamented the loss of two party workers in violent incidents during the election, criticising the law enforcement agencies' performance.
He announced plans to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) after forming the government in Sindh to probe election-related violence and ensure justice for the victims.
On allegations of rigging, Bilawal challenged political parties to provide evidence and questioned the legitimacy of the claims.
He affirmed that the PPP emerged victorious in two provincial seats in Karachi (PS-124 and PS-125) according to Form-45, accusing the process of being rigged against them.
In response to accusations of rigging, Bilawal stated: "We will fight the legal battle with evidence, hope justice will be served, and if not, the next course of action will be announced."
He denounced political parties relying on rigging for victory, describing their protests as attempts at blackmail.
He asserted that those who were raising concerns about rigging had a history of never securing victories in Sindh.
According to the PPP chief, the protesters were not genuinely opposing rigging; rather, they were attempting to manipulate the system further.
He emphasised the PPP's commitment to preventing such incidents in the future and ensuring a fair political landscape.
Bilawal said that the PPP will forever remember the injustices and the sacrifices made during the elections.
He underscored the point that religious, linguistic, and communal terrorism constitute a red line for his party, declaring that such activities will not be tolerated in the city or the province under any circumstances.
Bilawal issued a stern warning to parties seeking to foster terrorism, making it clear that such endeavours would not be allowed to flourish in the province.
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