Larkana: Taking jibe at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, former coalition partner and Pakistan Peoples’ Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted that some political parties continue to engage in politics on others’ shoulders.

In his address on 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal declared his commitment to burying hatchet of old animosities, saying that PPP will end politics of hatred and division in country.

“Some forces thought that by eliminating Benazir, they could finish PPP, but that didn’t happen. PPP stands strong today,” Bilawal stated, addressing gathering commemorating anniversary of his mother’s martyrdom. “We are not those who run away from elections, snatch nomination papers, or shy away from electoral process. This time, we will stand firm and fight to win,” PPP Chairman said.

Highlighting his PPP’s 10-point a enda, Bilawal stated his party, if elected, would provide free electricity to poor up to 300 units, ensure access to education for every child, double salaries within five years, build three million houses for poor, provide financial assistance to youth through youth cards, and introduce free healthcare system nationwide through public-private partnerships.

Additionally, he said that PPP will establish green energy parks in every district and introduce farmer card similar to Benazir Income Support Programme. He announced launch of ‘Bhook Mitao’ programme to combat poverty and unemployment, stating, “Through this programme, we will combat poverty and unemployment, having fought these challenges for three generations.” Reflecting on his time during coalition government, he said that he did not see coalition partners showing interest in tackling terrorism, economic challenges or foreign affairs. Former President and PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari in his address, reiterated his commitment to safeguarding rights of people. “Pakistan is not poor country, it is Islamabad that is poorest. The issues lie not in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, or Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but in mindset of those seated in Islamabad,” he said.

Zardari underlined disconnect between politicians and struggles of common man. “Politicians are preoccupied with promises made during election campaigns, oblivious to hardships faced by impoverished class,” he stated. Crediting his party for restoration of 1973 Constitution, Zardari defended his political legacy, stating, “No one can accuse me of switching sides. Public issues can only be resolved by politicians.”

He expressed commitment to fulfilling promises made by Bilawal, saying, “Together, we will fulfil all promises made by Bilawal. Let us be patient and considerate, we will build Pakistan. Many have come and gone, but today, we only remember Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 28 2023

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