Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his address to the National Assembly today, extended his felicitations to Makhdoom Tahir Rashid ud Din on becoming a member of the National Assembly. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Punjab and Rahim Yar Khan for their support of the PPP and for putting an end to the politics of hate and division. He also commended the Party’s organisation in South Punjab for their dedication, highlighting their efforts to combat every ‘fitna’ and their success through the power of the people. These are the candidates, he said, who can present Form 45 from every polling station.
Chairman Bilawal emphasised the need for politicians to work together to restore both politics and the Parliament. However, before this can happen, it must be determined whether those who lose are willing to accept their defeat and whether the victors can accept their victory with humility. The decision of the people must be trusted and respected for the country to progress. He thanked all the candidates who participated in the recent election, noting that they had demonstrated that the people of Pakistan do not stand with the politics of hate or with Prisoner No. 804. Those who support Prisoner No. 804 continue to lose by-elections, while allied parties emerge victorious.
Chairman Bilawal referenced a statement made yesterday by Prisoner No. 804, in which the individual of attacked every constitutional institution for personal political gain and to seek relief from his cases. He urged the PTI to investigate whether this statement was actually made by Imran Khan. Until yesterday, he said, the country was moving in a positive direction, with a forum being formed to legislate for democracy. However, this statement represents an attack on democracy. He pointed out that the individual had committed contempt of court against the current Chief Justice and had made politically motivated accusations against the Chief of Army Staff, aiming to make the post controversial. If Imran Khan indeed made this statement, Chairman Bilawal stated, he should face the consequences as per the Constitution and law of Pakistan. If Imran Khan did not make the statement, then the Leader of the Opposition or the party chairman must clarify whether the account was managed by Ali Amin or Mr. Marwat. Such clarification, he stressed, is essential.
Chairman Bilawal explained that these allegations align with a pattern of actions that have been in play since the no-confidence motion, a constitutional and democratic measure that sent the Prime Minister home. Certain individuals within the establishment, in connivance with a political party, began what was essentially a coup attempt. The first attack was the rejection of the no-confidence motion, abrogating the Constitution under the guise of Article 5. The second was an effort to hold elections before the appointment of the Army Chief. The third attack sought to make the appointment process controversial. It is said, during his stint as the Intelligence Chief, he caught Imran Khan’s corruption and presented the evidence to him. Instead of taking action, Imran Khan removed the Intelligence Chief and thus began this conspiracy to sabotage the Constitution.
Chairman Bilawal said that ongoing investigations would soon uncover the full truth behind the Form 45 debacle, and when the evidence surfaces, these ‘representatives’ would not be able to face the public.
Chairman Bilawal questioned why such extreme stances emerge whenever democratic political parties take steps toward democracy. He urged the PTI to investigate within their own ranks to identify those responsible for Imran Khan’s statements and actions, which have worsened the party’s and the country’s plight.