Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former foreign minister, used cricketing terminology on Friday to convey that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders are under the misconception that they have “manipulated the game,” but he emphasized that this perception is incorrect.
He cautioned about the precarious state of Pakistan, attributing it to the division sown by conventional politicians among both society and institutions.
Speaking at a rally in Multan, Bilawal targeted the former coalition partner PML-N, stating, “Politicians who have occupied the position of prime minister three times are vying for the seat for the fourth time.”
In a veiled reference to PML-N’s supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal remarked that the former prime minister displayed no inclination to address the urgent issues faced by the people.
Drawing attention to the unparalleled surge in inflation and unemployment within the nation, the PPP chairman asserted, “Currently, only the PPP possesses an all-encompassing strategy to address these challenges. Other political entities are exclusively fixated on electoral pursuits, overlooking the welfare of the populace.”
The ex-foreign minister recognized the sacrifices made by the military and police in eliminating terrorism but highlighted, “The resurgence of terrorism today is a result of the societal discord sowed by older politicians. It’s time to put an end to the politics of animosity.”
Outlining his governance plans, Bilawal stated that upon assuming office, he would rationalize the system by eliminating 17 unnecessary ministries and reallocating those funds for the public’s benefit. “We will halt the yearly subsidy of 1,500 billion rupees for the privileged class, choosing instead to impose taxes on capitalists to alleviate the burden on the underprivileged,” he added.
The PPP Chairman emphasized, “I personally devised PPP’s economic strategy, and our top priority upon assuming authority will be its swift execution to alleviate inflation and unemployment.”
Without explicitly mentioning Nawaz, Bilawal remarked that the singular goal of certain politicians is to secure the prime minister’s position for the fourth time. “Members of the PML-N are under the impression that they have manipulated the game, but that is not accurate. They are incapable of even stepping outside their residences,” he added.
The ex-foreign minister expressed his intention to become prime minister with the backing of the people and pledged to appoint the chief minister of Punjab from South Punjab.
Former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other party leaders also addressed the gathering at the rally.
