KARACHI: Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday expressed optimism that the next Prime Minister of Pakistan would not hail from Lahore, which is considered a stronghold of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Speaking to the media, here, the former foreign minister stated that the PPP would run in the elections independently, based on its election manifesto, without seeking alliances with other parties.
He emphasized their reliance on the public’s support for electoral success and noted that while anyone could be a candidate for the Prime Minister, the final decision rested with the people.
Bilawal also downplayed the PPP’s success in the recent local government by-polls, describing it as just a “trailer.” He asserted that the people’s votes demonstrated their support for the PPP.
The party’s victories in the by-polls, including Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab winning the union committee chairman seat and other successes, indicated the strength of the PPP, even in the face of united opposition.
Bilawal expressed confidence in replicating the by-polls’ success in the upcoming general elections, stressing the need for the PPP to form the government to introduce people-friendly projects.
He mentioned the significance of February 8, which marks the day of victory for the manifesto of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
Additionally, Bilawal commented on the use of American-made weapons in the attack on a Pakistan Air Force base in Mianwali, describing it as unfortunate that US weapons, left in Afghanistan during the hasty withdrawal, have fallen into the hands of criminals and terrorists.
He reiterated the PPP’s commitment to combating extremism and implementing the National Action Plan effectively if his party comes to power.
Regarding the May 9 riots, Bilawal called for some form of pardon for those not involved in the incident, emphasizing that those who attacked Jinnah House and military installations should not be forgiven, but individuals who were not involved in the riots should be released.
