In a recent address at a Yaum-i-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day) rally in Thatta, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari revealed his rejection of a power-sharing formula proposed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). He declared that former President Asif Ali Zardari would be the PPP’s candidate for the presidential elections.
Power-Sharing Proposal Rejected
During the rally, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari disclosed that the PML-N proposed a power-sharing formula where the prime minister’s office would be shared between the two parties. However, he emphatically stated his refusal, expressing that he wants to become the prime minister through the people’s mandate and not through political arrangements.
“I said no to this. I do not want to be a prime minister like this. If I become the prime minister, it would be after the people of Pakistan elect me,” Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated.
“سندھ میں دھاندلی کا شور مچانے والوں کو کہنا چاہتا ہوں کہ میں دو سیٹوں پر کامیاب ہوا ہوں ایک سیٹ چھوڑوں گا آؤ مقابلہ کرلو پتہ چل جائے گا عوام کس کے ساتھ ہے۔”
چیئرمین پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری@BBhuttoZardari#HumSubKiJeetPPP pic.twitter.com/xKK06giUXV— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) February 18, 2024
Asif Ali Zardari Nominated for President
The PPP chairman announced that his father, Asif Ali Zardari, would be the PPP’s nominee for the presidential slot. He emphasized that Zardari’s role would be crucial in defusing political tensions and addressing the challenges faced by the country.
“To control the fire spreading in the country, we have decided that Zardari will be our candidate for the presidential election. And when he takes up the post, he will put out this fire and will save the Centre and the provinces,” he said.
Also Read: Nawaz Sharif’s PMLN Faces Setback in General Elections, What Went Wrong?
Focus on People’s Problems
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari underscored the need for political parties to prioritize addressing the people’s problems rather than pursuing personal benefits. He criticized the societal stigmatization of individuals with dark skin, stating that it is essential to think beyond personal gain and work towards the betterment of the country.
Thank you Pakistan! Our campaign and results have proven, once again, that the Peoples Party is what binds this nation together. We have reservations over these elections, and will be taking them to the appropriate forums, and we believe the way forward is for all political… pic.twitter.com/5FWX72cHaz
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 18, 2024
PPP’s Election Reservations
Expressing reservations about the recent elections, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the PPP would collect complaints from party workers nationwide and present them at appropriate forums. He urged political parties to stay within the system and work together for the country’s progress.
“Our history has shown who benefits from chaos and division, and the people of Sindh remember the destruction wrought by those who encouraged and brought about the worst dictatorship our country has ever seen,” he warned.
PML-N’s Reaction
PML-N leader Ishaq Dar responded to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks, emphasizing that the plan to form a government with PPP and MQM-P was still under consideration. He noted that while Bilawal made the time-sharing formula public, there could be more formulas to explore during ongoing dialogues between the two parties.
پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) اور پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کے اکابرین سے درخواست ہے کہ بات چیت کے لئے کمیٹیوں کے درمیان وضع کردہ ضابطے کی پاسداری کریں
طے ہوا تھا کہ دونوں جماعتوں کی تشکیل کردہ کوآرڈینیشن کمیٹیوں کا کوئی رکن یا راہنما بات چیت کے جاری عمل اور اس میں زیرغور نکات پر بیان بازی…
— PMLN (@pmln_org) February 18, 2024
Dar revealed that committees from both political parties have held four rounds of meetings, with nothing finalized yet. He urged patience and stated that details would only be disclosed when the discussions were concluded.
The political landscape remains dynamic as parties engage in negotiations and discussions to shape the future government, and further updates are awaited.