Foreign powers involved in ‘script’ to destabilise Pakistan, says Bilawal
Bilawal announces worker's convention at the Lahore Bilawal House on Novemeber 30
KARACHI:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman has sent out a clear message to his political opponents by staging a massive rally in Karachi on Saturday. However, he invited them to work together by siding with the 'Bhuttoism' to save Pakistan and defeat the 'script' of foreign powers who want to destabilise Pakistan , Express News reported Saturday.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the PPP staged a massive rally to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the October 18, 2007, twin bombing on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's convoy near the Karsaz intersection upon her return to Pakistan.
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10:50pm
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz Sharif berated political rallies, urging parties to "stop wasting the nation's time and do something productive."
On the other hand, PTI's central information secretary Shireen Mazari criticised Bilawal's speech as one lacking passion.
PTI chief Imran Khan, during a speech atop his container at D-chowk on Saturday evening refused to comment on Bilawal's speech.
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10:10pm
Some PPP supporters have reportedly attacked Express News correspondent Nadeem Khan and cameraman Waseem Khan as they were filming supporters leaving the venue during Bilawal's speech, Express News reported.
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9:45pm
Hitting out at PM Nawaz, Bilawal says that the problem with the Nawaz-led government is that Zia's spirit has infused their governance and urges them to adopt Bhuttoism.
“Prime minister, Punjab CM, you have the government, judges are your own, officials are in your pocket, so why can you not deliver? The farmer of central punjab is hungry, industries are closed, kidnappings are common, police is the enemy of the people, everywhere there are Gullu Butts.”
“We will hold a convention of PPP in Bilawal House Lahore on November 30. We will hear what each and everyone of you have to say about the reorganisation of PPP. You will talk and we will listen,” Bilawal says.
"To hunt a lion, you use an arrow, not a bat," the PPP chairman says patronising PTI's protests in the capital.
Concluding his speech, Bilawal thanked all his supporters for attending the rally and continued chanting political slogans.
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9:30pm
Raising the issue of Kashmir, Bilawal says, “When I went to help the flood affected people in Punjab and talked about Kashmir, India created an uproar and their media started a propaganda against us, because they acknowledge Bhuttoism.”
“When I talk about Kashmir, they misunderstand me. I too want peace in Kashmir. We will not hold Kashmir hostage to the peace process but we want the people of Kashmir to decide. Kashmir banega Pakistan,” the PPP chairman says.
Bilawal explains that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s operations against militants failed because the people were not behind him.
“Operations under PPP, Rah-i-Nijaat in Swat was successful because the people were behind it.”
“Operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing and we will win,” he adds.
Once again lashing out at the PTI and PAT, Bilawal says, “When the time came to stand up with the troops against militants, people partcipating in concerts in Islamabad sat down."
"Some people are stabbing the army in the back,” he alleges.
Urging those protesting to leave the sit-ins and support the troops, he says, “If you are afraid of the Taliban, at least go and assist in rehabilitation of the IDPs.”
Censuring PTI’s claims to end corruption in 90 days and make a ‘naya Pakistan,’ Bilawal says, “You could not even make a new K-P, let alone a new Pakistan.”
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9:20pm
"Family members of the missing people marched from Balochistan to Islamabad, but no one asked about them. They did not hold a concert at Aabpara Chowk, they did not demand the resignation of anyone, they did not dance on the instructions of any one but a few puppets stage a sit-in and the media raise the issue to the sky," Bilawal says criticising the media and protesting parties.
Shifting his focus to Balochistan, Bilawal says the 'real revolution' is coming there.
"Dr Abdul Malik, you are the first nationalist leader of Balochistan, if you can give people their rights back that will be a big step," he says.
"On one end there is Uncle Altaf, on the other hand there are puppets in Islamabad calling for civil disobedience - who gave you that freedom," he questions the Baloch, adding, "Bhuttoism gave you that freedom."
"If you did not have that freedom, you too would have been killed with F-16s like Akbar Bugti.
" When I talk about Kashmir, the Modi-led Indian government talks about Balochistan."
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9:18pm
Large crowd of PPP supporters gathered at the rally in Karachi. PHOTO:PPI
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9:15pm
"There are irregularities in every election. If there was rigging in Balochistan, in K-P, it was against PPP. But we did not a become part of any PNA movement."
The patron-in-chief adds that wind power generated in sindh can provide electricity to the whole country.
"I invite the prime minister to work together towards the progress of Pakistan."
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9:12pm
"PTI wants to become the MQM of Lahore," says the PPP chairperson.
"Today, the whole country is crying against rigging but rigging always happens against PPP. However, we did not become a part of anyone's movement."
"Karachi belongs to Bhutto," he says claiming that they will cut down the kite -- the symbol of the MQM.
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9:06pm
Bilawal speaks about the developments brought by PPP.
"For the poor, we made housing schemes and started a youth development scheme to train the youth. We made educational institutions, and we will make more of them. We started a youth scholarship programme through which we gave over 400,000 scholarships to girls."
"People do not see the work we have done in Sindh, because some powers do not want people to see it," says Bilawal.
"Showing off schemes is considered as good governance. Good governance comes from serving people."
He further adds that the PPP did not make a song and dance of terming an ordinary bus by calling it a metro bus.
In a jab at Nawaz he says, "Tomorrow you will make a rocket and call it a rocket to the moon. The amount of money India wasted on sending a rocket to mars, you wasted even more money to put out a flimsy bus service."
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9:05pm
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9:00pm
"The foreign minister, and other puppets, you are all responsible for the Chinese president cancelling his tour to Pakistan," he says.
"Instead the Chinese president decided to visit India."
"In the US, Obama hosted a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and co-authored an article with the Indian PM. On the other end is our tiger, who like a pussy cat, just drank from the cup of Biden and came back."
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8:55pm
Bilawal lashes out at Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and calls him a progeny of Zia, as he was responsible for the deaths of 14 people who were killed during the clashes in Model Town incident in Lahore.
"We had seen the protests in Quetta by the Hazara community which was against extremism. Our prime minister himself visited Quetta, and though it is possible that our governance was lacking, the prime minister was not responsible," he says.
"But what happened in Model Town?" he asks, adding, "The chief minister, in a bid to remove barricades, killed 14 innocent people."
"We, to assuage the wounds of the hurt, ended our provincial government, but what did you do in Punjab?" he says, hitting out at Nawaz and Shahbaz.
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8:50pm
PPP leaders Naveed Qamar and Sharmila Faruqi at the rally. PHOTO: NNI
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8:46pm
"Because of the 1973 charter, there is democracy in Pakistan," he says, adding that the enemies of Bhutto and sons of Ziaul Haq take the oath of that very Constitution established by his grandfather.
"Today, there are rumors of a script because the government is helpless and people are protesting. I will tell you what the real script is," he tells his supporters.
This script was written during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's time," he says, adding, "In July 1977, this script was slapped on us and then again in April 4, 1979; sometimes in the form of IJI, sometimes in Farooq Leghari's, sometimes in Musharraf and sometimes in the bloodbath in 2007."
"Bhuttoism is the only solution to avoid a civil war in the country," he says, further criticising incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and questions how he could utilise all resources in curbing one sit-in.
"We [PPP] saw a Hazara community's dharna -- the only real dharna in Pakistan -- but on moral grounds we dissolved our own government," he says, questioning what the Punjab chief minister did in Model Town.
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8:23pm
Before stepping on the podium to address the crowd, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pauses to take a selfie.
"We all have one purpose -- to give back people their rights," the patron-in-chief says.
He goes on to say, "There are only two powers: Bhuttoism and slaves of democracy."
"Democracy is our strength, the nation is our center of power and martyrdom is our destination," Bilawal says.
In a jab at former dictator Pervez Musharraf, Bilawal questions Musharraf's statement of Benazir's rally ending before midnight.
"How did Musharraf know that the rally will end before midnight?" he asks in a veiled accusation of Musharraf being responsible for the attack.
Bilawal repeats the famous lines: "Armed men are scared of innocent girls," while talking about the Karsaz blast.
"Suicide blasts and death penalties are only for us," he says. "Why are suicide attacks only for us [PPP]?," he questions rhetorically, adding that people who want to scare away PPP with these things should understand that a Bhutto does not fear anything.
"I am a rebel, I am a Bhutto," the chairperson repeats proudly. "Bhuttosim is the chain of the whole of Pakistan."
He asks people to remember that if there is no PPP, there will be no ray of hope in Pakistan.
"On one side there are Bhuttoists, and on the other side there are those who dance on the instructions of a third umpire."
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8:07pm
Former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is addressing the crowd behind a bullet-proof glass.
"The PPP does politics of justice," the former president says.
Zardari says "Zulfikar Ali Bhutto established a university (SZABIST) without any funds because the PPP's policy is to help the poor."
Lashing out at PTI chief Imran Khan, he says "You made your hospital a signboard and an advertisement to attract the youth."
"Soldiers are being killed as they are fighting militants and you [PTI] are playing a game in Islamabad," Zardari says censuring the PTI's ongoing sit-ins.
"We have to save Pakistan today for a bright future tomorrow," he says, adding, "If all political parties stand together, we won't need to beg anyone for funds."
"We have to work with the judiciary, establishment and MQM leader Altaf Hussain."
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7:42pm
Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says, "You have proven that PPP is Pakistan's biggest party."
"Benazir Bhutto's unfinished agenda is being completed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari," he says while congratulating the PPP patron-in-chief on his successful rally."
"Benazir Bhutto combated dictatorship," the former PM says, adding that the future prime minister will be a Bhutto.
"I advise Bilawal to dissolve all old organisations and bring in new leadership to revive the party."
"Senior leadership should play an advisory rule," he adds.
"We always criticise other institutions about a third umpire intervening, but there is no threat from any institution as long as Parliament is strong," Gilani says in apparent criticism of the PTI and PAT's sit-ins currently being staged in Islamabad.
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7:35pm
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf pays homage to those killed in the attack on Benazir Bhutto's convoy.
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7:28pm
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says revolution does not come from protesting but from coming into power.
"We do democratic politics," Shah says.
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7:22pm
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah says in its five-year rule, PPP managed to keep all political parties together, in a veiled reference to the current political impasse.
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7:20pm
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7:13pm
Former NA speaker Fehmida Mirza says PPP will wage a war against corruption and illiteracy.
"Till the nation is alive, there is no threat to democracy," she adds.
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6:48pm
Senator Raza Rabbani is addressing the crowds at the rally.
“Another Bhutto has entered the political field,” PPP senior leader Rabbani says, further claiming that Bilawal will take the PPP forward.
“PPP is fighting for democracy in the country.”
“Our fight with PM Nawaz is not over. We will fight a war with PM Nawaz for the rights of labourers and farmers.”
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6:40pm
“Today’s rally is a milestone,” PPP leader Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan says while addressing the mammoth crowd at Mazar-e-Quaid.
“PPP is going through trying times in which the PPP candidate came third in the Multan by-polls, but we have to work hard to change this,” he adds.
“We hope that you [Bilawal] will be able to bring youth like yourself into the party.”
He adds, "PPP needs young leadership."
“This grand rally proves that PPP always makes a difference in Pakistan," Ahsan says proudly.
Referring to censures at the PPP patron-in-chief for his young age, Ahsan reminds the crowd that Bilawal’s grandfather and mother took charge at a young age as well.
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6:37pm
Claiming that people on both sides of disputed Kashmir support Bilawal and are celebrating the success of his rally, AJK PM Chaudhry Abdul Majeed said, “I invite you [Bilawal] to address a rally in Kashmir.”
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6:29pm
Former president and senior PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has arrived at the venue of the rally and is on stage with his son Bilawal.
Both leaders can be seen waving at their supporters.
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6:01pm
“The people who claim that PPP is curtailed to Sindh should know that from people Karachi to people from AJK are present at the rally today,” PPP Punjab president Manzoor Wattoo claims while addressing the rally.
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5:55pm
At least 100 people have stepped out to get beverages, however entry and exit points are being sealed, according to our correspondent Tooba Masood.
Further, it is expected that the number of supporters in the crowd will increase when Bilawal begins to address the crowd and given that the gates are being shut, there are fears that a stampede may occur.
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5:40pm
PPP patron-in-chief is on the stage and will address his supporters shortly, according to Express News.
Further, PPP leader Rehman Malik and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani can also be seen on stage.
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5:29pm
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s helicopter has landed, Express News reports.
He will appear on stage to address his workers shortly.
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5:18pm
Bilawal's helicoper can be seen circling the venue of the rally, according to our correspondent Tooba Masood.
The helicopter is flying at a low altitude and the patron-in-chief can also be seen waving at his supporters.
Meanwhile, senior PPP leaders Raja Pervez Ashraf, Makhdoom Amin Faheem and Sherry Rehman are present at the stage as Bilawal’s helicopter is about to land, according to Express News.
Interestingly, Bilawal's father Asif Ali Zardari has not yet been spotted at the venue.
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5:13pm
Bilawal can be seen in the helicopter praying over the venue where a rally for Benazir Bhutto's homecoming was attacked on this date in 2007.
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4:44pm
A helicopter has reached Bilawal House to transport the patron-in-chief to the venue of the rally, Express News reports.
Meanwhile, our correspondent Sameer Mandhro reports that hundreds of vehicles which are part of a convoy coming from Interior Sindh to attend the rally are stuck in a traffic jam near Karachi Toll Plaza.
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4:27pm
A scuffle between PPP workers has broken out at the rally, Express News reported.
Police at the venue has not intervened to put an end to the scuffle, according to reports.
The scuffle broke out due to disorganisation at the venue of the rally in terms of seating arrangements, our correspondent Hafeez Tunio reports from the scene.
The supporters are now rushing towards the VIP seating area, says our correspondent Tooba Masood.
Watch a video of the scuffle below:
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4:20pm
"We are expecting 2.5 million people to turn up at the rally,” Former Sindh Home Minister and PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza said while talking to the media while he was waiting outside the venue in his vehicle.
“PPP will break records of its own rallies today,” he added.
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4:08pm
The PPP patron-in-chief is still at Bilawal House and will not leave for the venue till traffic is cleared, according to Express News.
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3:47pm
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3:20pm
Bilawal Bhutto’s speech for the rally has been written by senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman in roman english, Express News reported.
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3:13pm
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2:50pm
Our correspondent Tooba Masood reports it is a 20-minute walk from Capri cinema to the venue.
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2:45pm
A special all-female security squad has arrived at the venue to assist with security searches.
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2:38pm
Security forces are using helicopters to monitor the rally, while all participants are being searched at security check points before they can enter the venue.
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2:16pm
A panel controlling the lighting at the event has fallen off the stage, Express News reports.
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2:12pm
A young PPP supporter travelling from Umerkot to Karachi passed away due to dehydration just a few meters away from the venue.
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2:07pm
A large crowd of people has now gathered at the venue.
Senator Saeed Ghani has announced PPP's next rally will be held in Lahore in November.
Following the Lahore rally, the party will hold rallies across the country.
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2:03pm
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2:01pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari says today is the day to remember those killed in 2007 in a terrorist attack on Benazir's convoy.
"Benazir's mission is still alive; she came back to Pakistan despite all the threats to her life," he says.
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1:59pm
According to a tweet by Bilawal House, the venue for the rally has been “thoroughly checked for security clearance” and is now open to the public.
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1:55pm
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1:50pm
Medical camps are set up at the venue for any emergencies.
People have already started visiting these camps, mainly for dehydration.
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1:30pm
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1:15pm
As PPP supporters await Bilawal's address, the Bhutto siblings take to social media to commemorate the memory of their late mother who was targeted in the city seven years ago.
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1:07pm
PPP MPA Owais Muzaffar says PPP has a large following and people are coming from all over the country to support their party.
While speaking to Express News, the PPP says that all security measures have been taken into consideration and preparations have been finalised.
Muzaffar is not yet commenting on the content of Bilawal's speech and says he is himself waiting to see what the patron-in-chief has to say.
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12:50pm
According to the Karachi police spokesperson, around 22,500 police personnel are on duty for today's the rally.
Staff from the Sindh Reserve Police, Hyderabad and other regions for the rally have also been assigned to working at the rally.
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12:21pm
In case of an emergency, a helipad has been made for Bilawal's use in Karachi's Hill Park.
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10:15am
With thousands of supporters travelling to Karachi to attend the rally, strict security measures have been taken to avoid any untoward incident in the city.
Over 150 walk-through gates have been installed on the way leading to the venue while a check post has also been set up at the mausoleum. However, security arrangements for female attendees is next to nothing with no walk-through gates leading to their enclosures and no checking process.
Reportedly, some of the walk-through gates are not currently functional.
With Bilawal scheduled to speak at 3pm, the PPP rally is expected to be the biggest party gathering since the one in 2007.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman has sent out a clear message to his political opponents by staging a massive rally in Karachi on Saturday. However, he invited them to work together by siding with the 'Bhuttoism' to save Pakistan and defeat the 'script' of foreign powers who want to destabilise Pakistan , Express News reported Saturday.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the PPP staged a massive rally to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the October 18, 2007, twin bombing on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's convoy near the Karsaz intersection upon her return to Pakistan.
[poll id="1365"]
10:50pm
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz Sharif berated political rallies, urging parties to "stop wasting the nation's time and do something productive."
On the other hand, PTI's central information secretary Shireen Mazari criticised Bilawal's speech as one lacking passion.
PTI chief Imran Khan, during a speech atop his container at D-chowk on Saturday evening refused to comment on Bilawal's speech.
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10:10pm
Some PPP supporters have reportedly attacked Express News correspondent Nadeem Khan and cameraman Waseem Khan as they were filming supporters leaving the venue during Bilawal's speech, Express News reported.
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9:45pm
Hitting out at PM Nawaz, Bilawal says that the problem with the Nawaz-led government is that Zia's spirit has infused their governance and urges them to adopt Bhuttoism.
“Prime minister, Punjab CM, you have the government, judges are your own, officials are in your pocket, so why can you not deliver? The farmer of central punjab is hungry, industries are closed, kidnappings are common, police is the enemy of the people, everywhere there are Gullu Butts.”
“We will hold a convention of PPP in Bilawal House Lahore on November 30. We will hear what each and everyone of you have to say about the reorganisation of PPP. You will talk and we will listen,” Bilawal says.
"To hunt a lion, you use an arrow, not a bat," the PPP chairman says patronising PTI's protests in the capital.
Concluding his speech, Bilawal thanked all his supporters for attending the rally and continued chanting political slogans.
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9:30pm
Raising the issue of Kashmir, Bilawal says, “When I went to help the flood affected people in Punjab and talked about Kashmir, India created an uproar and their media started a propaganda against us, because they acknowledge Bhuttoism.”
“When I talk about Kashmir, they misunderstand me. I too want peace in Kashmir. We will not hold Kashmir hostage to the peace process but we want the people of Kashmir to decide. Kashmir banega Pakistan,” the PPP chairman says.
Bilawal explains that former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf’s operations against militants failed because the people were not behind him.
“Operations under PPP, Rah-i-Nijaat in Swat was successful because the people were behind it.”
“Operation Zarb-e-Azb is continuing and we will win,” he adds.
Once again lashing out at the PTI and PAT, Bilawal says, “When the time came to stand up with the troops against militants, people partcipating in concerts in Islamabad sat down."
"Some people are stabbing the army in the back,” he alleges.
Urging those protesting to leave the sit-ins and support the troops, he says, “If you are afraid of the Taliban, at least go and assist in rehabilitation of the IDPs.”
Censuring PTI’s claims to end corruption in 90 days and make a ‘naya Pakistan,’ Bilawal says, “You could not even make a new K-P, let alone a new Pakistan.”
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9:20pm
"Family members of the missing people marched from Balochistan to Islamabad, but no one asked about them. They did not hold a concert at Aabpara Chowk, they did not demand the resignation of anyone, they did not dance on the instructions of any one but a few puppets stage a sit-in and the media raise the issue to the sky," Bilawal says criticising the media and protesting parties.
Shifting his focus to Balochistan, Bilawal says the 'real revolution' is coming there.
"Dr Abdul Malik, you are the first nationalist leader of Balochistan, if you can give people their rights back that will be a big step," he says.
"On one end there is Uncle Altaf, on the other hand there are puppets in Islamabad calling for civil disobedience - who gave you that freedom," he questions the Baloch, adding, "Bhuttoism gave you that freedom."
"If you did not have that freedom, you too would have been killed with F-16s like Akbar Bugti.
" When I talk about Kashmir, the Modi-led Indian government talks about Balochistan."
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9:18pm
Large crowd of PPP supporters gathered at the rally in Karachi. PHOTO:PPI
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9:15pm
"There are irregularities in every election. If there was rigging in Balochistan, in K-P, it was against PPP. But we did not a become part of any PNA movement."
The patron-in-chief adds that wind power generated in sindh can provide electricity to the whole country.
"I invite the prime minister to work together towards the progress of Pakistan."
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9:12pm
"PTI wants to become the MQM of Lahore," says the PPP chairperson.
"Today, the whole country is crying against rigging but rigging always happens against PPP. However, we did not become a part of anyone's movement."
"Karachi belongs to Bhutto," he says claiming that they will cut down the kite -- the symbol of the MQM.
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9:06pm
Bilawal speaks about the developments brought by PPP.
"For the poor, we made housing schemes and started a youth development scheme to train the youth. We made educational institutions, and we will make more of them. We started a youth scholarship programme through which we gave over 400,000 scholarships to girls."
"People do not see the work we have done in Sindh, because some powers do not want people to see it," says Bilawal.
"Showing off schemes is considered as good governance. Good governance comes from serving people."
He further adds that the PPP did not make a song and dance of terming an ordinary bus by calling it a metro bus.
In a jab at Nawaz he says, "Tomorrow you will make a rocket and call it a rocket to the moon. The amount of money India wasted on sending a rocket to mars, you wasted even more money to put out a flimsy bus service."
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9:05pm
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9:00pm
"The foreign minister, and other puppets, you are all responsible for the Chinese president cancelling his tour to Pakistan," he says.
"Instead the Chinese president decided to visit India."
"In the US, Obama hosted a state dinner for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and co-authored an article with the Indian PM. On the other end is our tiger, who like a pussy cat, just drank from the cup of Biden and came back."
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8:55pm
Bilawal lashes out at Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and calls him a progeny of Zia, as he was responsible for the deaths of 14 people who were killed during the clashes in Model Town incident in Lahore.
"We had seen the protests in Quetta by the Hazara community which was against extremism. Our prime minister himself visited Quetta, and though it is possible that our governance was lacking, the prime minister was not responsible," he says.
"But what happened in Model Town?" he asks, adding, "The chief minister, in a bid to remove barricades, killed 14 innocent people."
"We, to assuage the wounds of the hurt, ended our provincial government, but what did you do in Punjab?" he says, hitting out at Nawaz and Shahbaz.
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8:50pm
PPP leaders Naveed Qamar and Sharmila Faruqi at the rally. PHOTO: NNI
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8:46pm
"Because of the 1973 charter, there is democracy in Pakistan," he says, adding that the enemies of Bhutto and sons of Ziaul Haq take the oath of that very Constitution established by his grandfather.
"Today, there are rumors of a script because the government is helpless and people are protesting. I will tell you what the real script is," he tells his supporters.
This script was written during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's time," he says, adding, "In July 1977, this script was slapped on us and then again in April 4, 1979; sometimes in the form of IJI, sometimes in Farooq Leghari's, sometimes in Musharraf and sometimes in the bloodbath in 2007."
"Bhuttoism is the only solution to avoid a civil war in the country," he says, further criticising incumbent Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and questions how he could utilise all resources in curbing one sit-in.
"We [PPP] saw a Hazara community's dharna -- the only real dharna in Pakistan -- but on moral grounds we dissolved our own government," he says, questioning what the Punjab chief minister did in Model Town.
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8:23pm
Before stepping on the podium to address the crowd, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pauses to take a selfie.
"We all have one purpose -- to give back people their rights," the patron-in-chief says.
He goes on to say, "There are only two powers: Bhuttoism and slaves of democracy."
"Democracy is our strength, the nation is our center of power and martyrdom is our destination," Bilawal says.
In a jab at former dictator Pervez Musharraf, Bilawal questions Musharraf's statement of Benazir's rally ending before midnight.
"How did Musharraf know that the rally will end before midnight?" he asks in a veiled accusation of Musharraf being responsible for the attack.
Bilawal repeats the famous lines: "Armed men are scared of innocent girls," while talking about the Karsaz blast.
"Suicide blasts and death penalties are only for us," he says. "Why are suicide attacks only for us [PPP]?," he questions rhetorically, adding that people who want to scare away PPP with these things should understand that a Bhutto does not fear anything.
"I am a rebel, I am a Bhutto," the chairperson repeats proudly. "Bhuttosim is the chain of the whole of Pakistan."
He asks people to remember that if there is no PPP, there will be no ray of hope in Pakistan.
"On one side there are Bhuttoists, and on the other side there are those who dance on the instructions of a third umpire."
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8:07pm
Former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is addressing the crowd behind a bullet-proof glass.
"The PPP does politics of justice," the former president says.
Zardari says "Zulfikar Ali Bhutto established a university (SZABIST) without any funds because the PPP's policy is to help the poor."
Lashing out at PTI chief Imran Khan, he says "You made your hospital a signboard and an advertisement to attract the youth."
"Soldiers are being killed as they are fighting militants and you [PTI] are playing a game in Islamabad," Zardari says censuring the PTI's ongoing sit-ins.
"We have to save Pakistan today for a bright future tomorrow," he says, adding, "If all political parties stand together, we won't need to beg anyone for funds."
"We have to work with the judiciary, establishment and MQM leader Altaf Hussain."
Former president Asif Ali Zardari addressing the crowd at the PPP rally. PHOTO: PPP FACEBOOK
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7:42pm
Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani says, "You have proven that PPP is Pakistan's biggest party."
"Benazir Bhutto's unfinished agenda is being completed by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari," he says while congratulating the PPP patron-in-chief on his successful rally."
"Benazir Bhutto combated dictatorship," the former PM says, adding that the future prime minister will be a Bhutto.
"I advise Bilawal to dissolve all old organisations and bring in new leadership to revive the party."
"Senior leadership should play an advisory rule," he adds.
"We always criticise other institutions about a third umpire intervening, but there is no threat from any institution as long as Parliament is strong," Gilani says in apparent criticism of the PTI and PAT's sit-ins currently being staged in Islamabad.
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7:35pm
Former prime minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf pays homage to those killed in the attack on Benazir Bhutto's convoy.
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7:28pm
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah says revolution does not come from protesting but from coming into power.
"We do democratic politics," Shah says.
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7:22pm
Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah says in its five-year rule, PPP managed to keep all political parties together, in a veiled reference to the current political impasse.
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7:20pm
Supporters of PPP from the areas of Gaddap, Malir and Landhi seen passing through Karsaz while on their way to participate in the rally. PHOTO: ONLINE
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7:13pm
Former NA speaker Fehmida Mirza says PPP will wage a war against corruption and illiteracy.
"Till the nation is alive, there is no threat to democracy," she adds.
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6:48pm
Senator Raza Rabbani is addressing the crowds at the rally.
“Another Bhutto has entered the political field,” PPP senior leader Rabbani says, further claiming that Bilawal will take the PPP forward.
“PPP is fighting for democracy in the country.”
“Our fight with PM Nawaz is not over. We will fight a war with PM Nawaz for the rights of labourers and farmers.”
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6:40pm
“Today’s rally is a milestone,” PPP leader Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan says while addressing the mammoth crowd at Mazar-e-Quaid.
“PPP is going through trying times in which the PPP candidate came third in the Multan by-polls, but we have to work hard to change this,” he adds.
“We hope that you [Bilawal] will be able to bring youth like yourself into the party.”
He adds, "PPP needs young leadership."
“This grand rally proves that PPP always makes a difference in Pakistan," Ahsan says proudly.
Referring to censures at the PPP patron-in-chief for his young age, Ahsan reminds the crowd that Bilawal’s grandfather and mother took charge at a young age as well.
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6:37pm
Claiming that people on both sides of disputed Kashmir support Bilawal and are celebrating the success of his rally, AJK PM Chaudhry Abdul Majeed said, “I invite you [Bilawal] to address a rally in Kashmir.”
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6:29pm
Former president and senior PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari has arrived at the venue of the rally and is on stage with his son Bilawal.
Both leaders can be seen waving at their supporters.
Express News screengrab of father and son at the rally
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6:01pm
“The people who claim that PPP is curtailed to Sindh should know that from people Karachi to people from AJK are present at the rally today,” PPP Punjab president Manzoor Wattoo claims while addressing the rally.
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5:55pm
At least 100 people have stepped out to get beverages, however entry and exit points are being sealed, according to our correspondent Tooba Masood.
Further, it is expected that the number of supporters in the crowd will increase when Bilawal begins to address the crowd and given that the gates are being shut, there are fears that a stampede may occur.
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5:40pm
PPP patron-in-chief is on the stage and will address his supporters shortly, according to Express News.
Further, PPP leader Rehman Malik and former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani can also be seen on stage.
Express News screengrab of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on stage at the PPP rally.
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5:29pm
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s helicopter has landed, Express News reports.
He will appear on stage to address his workers shortly.
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5:18pm
Bilawal's helicoper can be seen circling the venue of the rally, according to our correspondent Tooba Masood.
The helicopter is flying at a low altitude and the patron-in-chief can also be seen waving at his supporters.
Meanwhile, senior PPP leaders Raja Pervez Ashraf, Makhdoom Amin Faheem and Sherry Rehman are present at the stage as Bilawal’s helicopter is about to land, according to Express News.
Interestingly, Bilawal's father Asif Ali Zardari has not yet been spotted at the venue.
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5:13pm
Bilawal can be seen in the helicopter praying over the venue where a rally for Benazir Bhutto's homecoming was attacked on this date in 2007.
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4:44pm
A helicopter has reached Bilawal House to transport the patron-in-chief to the venue of the rally, Express News reports.
Meanwhile, our correspondent Sameer Mandhro reports that hundreds of vehicles which are part of a convoy coming from Interior Sindh to attend the rally are stuck in a traffic jam near Karachi Toll Plaza.
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4:27pm
A scuffle between PPP workers has broken out at the rally, Express News reported.
Police at the venue has not intervened to put an end to the scuffle, according to reports.
The scuffle broke out due to disorganisation at the venue of the rally in terms of seating arrangements, our correspondent Hafeez Tunio reports from the scene.
The supporters are now rushing towards the VIP seating area, says our correspondent Tooba Masood.
Watch a video of the scuffle below:
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4:20pm
"We are expecting 2.5 million people to turn up at the rally,” Former Sindh Home Minister and PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza said while talking to the media while he was waiting outside the venue in his vehicle.
“PPP will break records of its own rallies today,” he added.
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4:08pm
The PPP patron-in-chief is still at Bilawal House and will not leave for the venue till traffic is cleared, according to Express News.
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3:47pm
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3:20pm
Bilawal Bhutto’s speech for the rally has been written by senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman in roman english, Express News reported.
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3:13pm
Activists of PPP from Lahore have arrived at Cantt Station Karachi to take part in the PPP rally. PHOTO: ONLINE
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2:50pm
Our correspondent Tooba Masood reports it is a 20-minute walk from Capri cinema to the venue.
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2:45pm
A special all-female security squad has arrived at the venue to assist with security searches.
Express News screengrab of the female security squad
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2:38pm
Security forces are using helicopters to monitor the rally, while all participants are being searched at security check points before they can enter the venue.
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2:16pm
A panel controlling the lighting at the event has fallen off the stage, Express News reports.
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2:12pm
A young PPP supporter travelling from Umerkot to Karachi passed away due to dehydration just a few meters away from the venue.
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2:07pm
A large crowd of people has now gathered at the venue.
Senator Saeed Ghani has announced PPP's next rally will be held in Lahore in November.
Following the Lahore rally, the party will hold rallies across the country.
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2:03pm
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2:01pm
Former president Asif Ali Zardari says today is the day to remember those killed in 2007 in a terrorist attack on Benazir's convoy.
"Benazir's mission is still alive; she came back to Pakistan despite all the threats to her life," he says.
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1:59pm
According to a tweet by Bilawal House, the venue for the rally has been “thoroughly checked for security clearance” and is now open to the public.
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1:55pm
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1:50pm
Medical camps are set up at the venue for any emergencies.
People have already started visiting these camps, mainly for dehydration.
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1:30pm
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1:15pm
As PPP supporters await Bilawal's address, the Bhutto siblings take to social media to commemorate the memory of their late mother who was targeted in the city seven years ago.
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1:07pm
PPP MPA Owais Muzaffar says PPP has a large following and people are coming from all over the country to support their party.
While speaking to Express News, the PPP says that all security measures have been taken into consideration and preparations have been finalised.
Muzaffar is not yet commenting on the content of Bilawal's speech and says he is himself waiting to see what the patron-in-chief has to say.
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12:50pm
According to the Karachi police spokesperson, around 22,500 police personnel are on duty for today's the rally.
Staff from the Sindh Reserve Police, Hyderabad and other regions for the rally have also been assigned to working at the rally.
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12:21pm
In case of an emergency, a helipad has been made for Bilawal's use in Karachi's Hill Park.
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10:15am
With thousands of supporters travelling to Karachi to attend the rally, strict security measures have been taken to avoid any untoward incident in the city.
Over 150 walk-through gates have been installed on the way leading to the venue while a check post has also been set up at the mausoleum. However, security arrangements for female attendees is next to nothing with no walk-through gates leading to their enclosures and no checking process.
Reportedly, some of the walk-through gates are not currently functional.
With Bilawal scheduled to speak at 3pm, the PPP rally is expected to be the biggest party gathering since the one in 2007.