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Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that only his party can face the external challenges along with solving the internal problems of the country. 

He pointed out that President Asif Ali Zardari had pioneered the development of Balochistan province in the form of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), but Nawaz Sharif changed the direction of the Corridor as soon as he became the Prime Minister for the third time and prevented the country’s most backward province from moving towards a new destination of prosperity. 

According to the press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP chairman, while addressing a mammoth public meeting here on Thursday in connection with the election campaign, said that those forces are targeting his party, who do not want it to form the government in Balochistan and the federation, because they know that if Bilawal Bhutto Zardari becomes the Prime Minister and a Jiyala becomes a Chief Minister in Balochistan,  all their conspiracies will fail. “They know that Baloch blood runs in my veins, they know that the way I feel the pain of Balochistan, no other politician does. They know that I am the son of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and I understand the pain of the martyrs of Balochistan, and I am aware of the problems of Balochistan. They know that I will not only fight the terrorists, but at the same time solve the problem of missing persons,” he added.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that his party does politics without discrimination, and it is neither afraid of anyone nor bows down to anyone. “We stand on our feet and fight every force, and do not bargain on the rights of the people,” he added. He pointed out that if the 18th Amendment, NFC Award and The Aghaz-e-Huaqook-e-Balochistan Programme, inititiated by the President Asif Ali Zardari, had been fully implemented, all conspiracies being hatched in and around Balochistan would have ended. He said that the real problems of the people of Balochistan are unemployment, poverty and inflation.  

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the PPP was the only party which would not only fight the real problems of the people but also win over them, adding that is why once again PPP is the target of terrorists. “There have been frequent attacks on PPP ticket holders in the last few days,” he said, adding that one attack was carried out in Mastung, two in Turbat, one on Asghar Rind and the other on Zahoor Buledi, while in addition attacks were made in Bolan. “Our party’s former provincial president Ali Madad Jatak was attacked in Quetta, and Agha Shakil Durrani was attacked in Khuzdar. They (terrorists) thought that I and the PPP would be scared, but this is their mistake,” he said. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that like other provinces of the country, there will be “rain of Arrows” in Balochistan on February 8. “I want to tell the women of Balochistan that my mother is no more in this world, but I promise that I will serve you the same way a son does his mother. I want to tell the youth that I am also young like you and will represent you. Our relationship with you is not of one election, but of three generations. If I reach parliament as your voice, the people of Balochistan know that their representative is sitting there. If I become the Prime Minister, the people of Balochistan will know that their representative, their brother and son is sitting in the Prime Minister’s House,” he added.

Talking about the challenges facing the country, the PPP chairman said that the people are bearing the burden of the deteriorating economic situation of the country, the issue of rising terrorism, uncontrolled inflation, unemployment and poverty only because of the politicians of Lahore. “I am doing politics with a new thinking. Our 10-point manifesto is my agreement with the people,” he said, adding that he would abolish 17 ministries of the Center and transfer Rs300 billion spent annually on these departments to the welfare projects of the people. He reiterated that he would also stop giving Rs1,500 billion every year to the elite under the guise of subsidy and would also invest such huge amount for public development, and assured the nation that he would double the salaries if he becomes the Prime Minister of the country, increase the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) and provide interest-free loans to women for business, build 3 million houses for poor families, provide 300 units of solar power free of cost, Benazir Kisan Card, Benazir Mazdoor Card and Benazir Youth Card for financial assistance to farmers, laborers and youth will be launched, and hunger eradication programs will be started at the union council level. 

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appealed to the people of Balochistan to maintain their distance from the politics of terrorism, and added: “Don’t allow anyone else to do injustice to our children and women. Quaid-e-Azam had created this country and established Pakistan without firing a single bullet.” He vowed that he would solve the issue of missing persons and continued: “I will explain to them that the federation cannot run like this. I am sad that the way the caretaker government engaged the protesters in Islamabad was undemocratic.” He said that not all problems can be solved at gunpoint. He said that some forces conspire so that the people of Pakistan fight among themselves. 

He warned that just as conspiracies are taking place inside the country, conspiracies are also being hatched abroad, adding that we will engage all our neighbouring countries, and it is at the discretion of the people to do business with those countries.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a mammoth public gathering in Dera Ismail Khan expressed his gratitude to the Jiyalas for coming out in such a large number to support the Party. The people of D.I. Khan have supported the Party through thick and thin. The relationship between the Party and Dera Ismail Khan dates back three generations. Quaid-e-Awan Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto contested the elections from D.I Khan and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto too frequented the region.  

Chairman Bilawal said that there were concerns regarding D.I. Khan being too cold. However, the weather seems pleasant enough. What would become of those who were using the weather as an excuse? The determination and zeal of the Jiyalas of D.I. Khan has made it apparent that it will rain arrows on election day. Chairman PPP said that the Party too is told not to reach out to the people due to security threats. Terrorism is raising its head once again, but we cannot leave the soldiers of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Jiyalas of PPP are courageous, honourable, loyal and brave. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the country is in peril once again, and the traditional politicians do not have the capability to combat the plethora of challenges. Those from Raiwind or elsewhere do not have any inkling about the problems faced by the common people. There has been an unprecedented increase in poverty, inflation and unemployment. When the country’s farmers, labourers, students, youth and the downtrodden are in pain, the PPP cannot leave them alone. The same terrorists that were combatted by the Jiyalas of the Party, against who Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto rendered the greatest sacrifice, are raising their heads once again. Moreover, D.I. Khan is still facing the devastating impacts of the catastrophic floods that have left people without shelter. Had it been any other country, the politicians would have joined forces to combat the challenges together. Currently, there is only one political party that is representing the common man and the downtrodden masses of the country, which is the PPP. It has been doing so since three generations. PPP has been tackling poverty, hunger and unemployment since three generations. The rest of the political parties protect the interests of the elite and benefit them. They think that the economy can benefit from making the rich richer. However, it is Quaid-e-Awam who taught us that progress can only occur when the common man is empowered. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he has himself prepared a 10-point economic charter which prioritises the solutions to the three main problems faced by the people which are inflation, poverty and unemployment. This agenda follows the philosophy of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The 10-point agenda has been published in numerous regional languages, including Pashto and Saraiki. He instructed the Party workers to disseminate the contents to people all over the region. 

Chairman PPP said that he resolves to not only increase wages, but double them within five years. The Party also resolves to provide 300 units of electricity free-of-cost to the deserving citizens of the country through solar power. The PPP aims to construct three million houses for the people all over the country, and give ownership to the women of the households. The Jiyalas should convey to the flood victims of D.I. Khan that the PPP government is resolving not only to construct houses for them but also to regularise temporary houses while giving ownership to the women. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has promised to make a university in every district, but for D.I. Khan especially, the PPP aims to establish a university for women. The people can access free healthcare treatments ranging from liver and kidney ailments to cardiac issues from institutions established by the PPP all over Sindh. The PPP aims to construct similar institutions for the people of D.I. Khan within six months. Chairman Bilawal said that he wishes to serve the women of D.I. Khan just as a son would, hence the PPP plans to not only expand the revolutionary Benazir Income Support Programme but also provide interest-free loans to the women of the country so that they can gain financial independence and contribute to the economy of the country. Addressing the farmers and labourers, Chairman Bilawal said that he is aiming to provide the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ and the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’, to provide crop insurance and financial assistance to all small farmers, and social security to labourers after February 8. These initiatives are being taken as an extension of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s policy, which revolved around the farmers and labourers of the country getting their due share. He empowered the small farmers by taking land from the rich landowners. The PPP will support the farmers, growers and labourers directly instead of giving subsidies through the elite.  It was the dream of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that no child or adult goes to sleep on an empty stomach. Hence, the Party plans to introduce the ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’ on the level of union councils nationwide to combat hunger. Moreover, the youth of the country needs to be apprised of PPP’s legacy of serving the nation. For the youth, the PPP aspires to initiate the ‘Youth Card’ so that unemployment can be dealt with and the youngsters are equipped with all the necessary skills they need, along with financial assistance.

Chairman PPP said that the Party will achieve all of these goals through a strategy for financing. The PPP analysed the statistical figures of the country, it discovered that the 17 ministries which were to be devolved were still operated by the federation and more than 300 billion rupees is spent by the government to run them annually. Moreover, our elite is given subsidies worth 1500 billion rupees every year. Hence, the PPP decided to not only shut the 17 ministries but dedicate the entire amount saved from the subsidies given to the elite to the downtrodden masses of the country. 

Chairman PPP said that the fate of D.I. Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan can be changed if the people support him as they have supported Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. February 8 is a monumental day for the country and its people. If the people wish to waste their vote, they can vote for the PML-N or the independent candidates, but if they wish to see real progress, then they need to stamp the symbol of the arrow. The Jiyalas of D.I. Khan need to apprise the people that the contest is between the lion and the arrow. Imran Khan is not in the scene anymore, much to the dismay or pleasure of others. Moreover, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has not even approached the people to ask for their vote, hence he too is out of the equation. The people are the only source that can stop the lion in its path. They know what language Nawaz Sharif has used for the brothers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa despite being the PM of the country thrice. We strongly condemn that statement of Nawaz Sharif. Chairman Bilawal said that he will hunt the lion on behalf of the people, and the people of D.I. Khan will stamp the symbol of the arrow and render the lion’s efforts fruitless.  The PPP has always believed in democracy being the best revenge, a testimony of which is Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto not wanting revenge for her father being sent to the gallows, and President Zardari choosing to forgive those who slit his throat and tongue. Hence, the PPP will put an end to the traditional politics of hate and division after coming to power. 

Chairman Bilawal instructed the Party workers to work unitedly to help ensure the victory of the PPP’s candidates.

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, visited Badin in connection with the ongoing nationwide election campaign of the Pakistan Peoples Party, where the people gave her a warm welcome. A large number of women also participated in Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari’s rally. The Jiyalas and Jiyalis kept raising the slogans of the Party with zeal and fervour. 

Addressing the people, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that Badin has always been the stronghold of the PPP. We are proud of the Jiyalas here. She said that people have stood with us in every sorrow and joy, and the Party along with its leadership will also stand with them. She said that the PPP has given hospitals to provide quality treatment and schools for education to the people of Badin. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that the Pakistan Peoples Party has presented a poor-friendly and people-friendly manifesto. If we wish for Pakistan to tread the path of development, then we have to strengthen the hands of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, she expressed. We promise that with the will of Allah Almighty, the PPP will win and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will become the Prime Minister.

We promise to make the people and poor workers of the country prosperous, Bibi Aseefa said. According to the party manifesto, 300 units of electricity will be provided free of cost to the deserving citizens through solar power. We promise to issue the ‘Benazir Kissan Card, Benazir Mazdoor Card and Benazir Youth Card’, and regularize temporary housing and give ownership rights to the women. It is our promise to build 3 million houses for poor families, to double the salaries of employees, and to eradicate poverty in the country through better economic policies, she resolved. 

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari emphasised that the jiyalas should go from street to street and house to house and convey the message of the Party to the people. The people should give Bilawal Bhutto Zardari an opportunity to serve the country by stamping the symbol of the arrow on February 8. The people of Badin should promise that they will make Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s nominated representatives victorious. The people need to reach the polling stations in maximum numbers and stamp the symbol of the arrow. 

Party candidates Haji Rasool Bux Chandio, Mir Ghulam Ali Talpur, Haji Taj Muhammad Mallah, Arbab Ameer Amanullah, Muhammad Ismail Rahu, Muhammad Halepoto, Mir Allah Bux Talpur, Jam Wahid Halepoto and others were also present.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a Q/A session on “Chuno Nayi Soch Ko” at the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), expressed his gratitude to the administration of the institute, and especially the students in attendance. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has curated a detailed manifesto, as well as a 10-point ‘Awami, Muashi Muahida’. The PPP has addressed the main issues faced by the Pakistani people, including climate change among a plethora of pressing issues such as inflation, poverty and unemployment. The PPP consulted various experts on the severity of the dangers posed by climate change. The largest collection of snow and ice, after the North and South poles, is in the Himalayan range in Pakistan. Until now, the world was under the impression that only the polar bears and penguins were endangered due to the climate change. It did not occur to anyone what would become of the 250 million people living directly underneath the third-largest collection of ice and snow anywhere on the planet. Chairman Bilawal said that not only the Pakistani people but the international community needs to be apprised of the fact that Pakistani is a frontline state and its contribution to carbon emissions is less than 1% yet its survival is at stake. The solution to this problem cannot be reached alone, and the threat of climate change needs to combatted in collaboration with the rest of the world. 

Chairman Bilawal said that along with this existential crisis, Pakistan is also facing a grave economic crisis. The unprecedented increase in the living costs has not been proportional to the increase in the income of the people. The traditional trickle-down economics, which caters to the elite of the country is no longer a viable option as it has been unsuccessful. If the downtrodden are empowered with the same resources used to benefit the elite, only then can the economy function. The PPP analysed the statistical figures of the country, and it was surprising to discover that the 17 ministries which were to be devolved were still operated by the federation and more than 300 billion rupees is spent by the government to run them annually. Moreover, our elite is given subsidies worth 1500 billion rupees every year. Hence, the PPP decided to not only shut the 17 ministries but dedicate the entire amount saved from the subsidies given to the elite to the downtrodden masses of the country. From the time of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto to today, the development expenditure has gone down from 12% to 2% of the GDP. We wish to revisit the entire development model of the country. We have to base our entire economic framework around a ‘Climate Resilient Pakistan’ to protect the country and its people. 

We need to take this challenge by the horns, Chairman Bilawal said. We have to improve our irrigation, communication, agriculture and energy infrastructure. If we invest in these sectors, we cannot only combat climate change but generate employment for the people nationwide. These are difficult decisions, but they need to be taken. The mindset of the bureaucracy of Islamabad neither wishes to work, nor does it let anyone work. Moreover, there are powerful lobbies in the elite that have influence over the government. A powerful reaction is expected from the powerful sectors. However, since the PPP government is spending the money on the people through the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’, ‘Benazir Kissan Card’, ‘Youth Card’, BISP, solar energy parks among other projects, the woes of the elite and the bureaucracy would not outweigh the benefits being provided to the people. 

Responding to questions, Chairman Bilawal said that in his travels across Pakistan, he was most touched in Gilgit Baltistan. He said that he was questioned about Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s book, as well as climate change. Chairman Bilawal said that the issue of climate change is most significant for the people of Gilgit Baltistan but actually, this threat is rampant all over the country. In the recent catastrophic floods, one-thirds of the country was submerged in water including regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab. One cannot breathe in Lahore. Prior to the floods, Pakistan was facing one of its longest droughts along with forest fires in KP and Balochistan. The PPP proposes to put an end to the traditional manner of development planning. The people of Pakistan do not trust the current system of the distribution of electricity, hence the PPP aims to construct green energy parks in every district all over the country in partnership with the private sector. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP’s 300 units policy is being criticised, but it aims to not give the same amount of subsidy to big industries, but the people directly. 

Responding to another question, Chairman Bilawal said that the 10-point economic agenda presented by the PPP is a testament of the Party’s basic philosophy still being ‘Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan’. However, implementation on a manifesto cannot take place without a fresh view and perspective. Chairman PPP said that the politics of hate and division is at its peak in Pakistan and has divided the entire society. Hyper-partisanship and hyper-polarisation have crippled the economic and democratic fabric, contributing to the societal ‘fever’ we are currently witnessing. If the political parties of the country continue to engage in the politics of revenge and personal vendetta, then the country cannot progress. The economic crisis that every citizen of the country is facing is one of the worst in our history. Moreover, the country is also suffering through a revival of terrorism as it raises its head once again. Hence, it is unfortunate that current political actors only plan to contribute to the politics of hatred and division, not diminish it. The PPP wishes to bury this form of traditional politics. The Party has never kept a political prisoner, nor does it plan to erect obstacles in the path of media houses or opponents who have criticised it. A difference of opinion does not mean that we should resort to personal enmity. 

Answering a question, Chairman PPP said that the Party aims to eradicate the financial problems faced by the people by initiating projects such as ‘Peoples Poverty Alleviation’ as well as the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ and ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ on a large scale in order to provide social and economic security to the people. 

Responding to another question, Chairman Bilawal said that it is unfortunate that the rulers of the country do not take the crises faced by the people seriously. Had it been any other country, the entire focus would have been on saving the country from the economic condition. Pakistan has never been so vulnerable in the international domain as it is today. The measures taken by Imran Khan and the unity government’s economic teams amount to playing politics with the economy of the country. They both failed to address the financial problems. When Imran Khan could see himself failing the no-confidence motion, he reduced the price of petrol to win the support of the Pakistani people. Imran Khan, Sharif family or Ishaq Dar did not bear the burden of these decisions, the people did. The PPP had joined the unity government with the hopes that the problems of the people would be taken seriously. While the country was saved from a default, due to floods and bye-elections, the country’s government decided not to implement on the IMF deal for three months. Hence, the economic team of the unity government had the same fatal flaw as Imran Khan. The people of the country are still bearing the brunt of these mistakes. The time has come that the people stop compromising and sacrificing, but the federal government and the elite. Chairman PPP said that if the government of the country is well-intentioned, then the deals made with international institutions can be in the favour of the downtrodden. 

Responding to a question regarding the BISP, Chairman PPP said that it is the first social safety net in Pakistan and it has become the standard regionally, from Egypt to Philippines. Not only do the governments support the poorest of factions financially, but also empower   the women. It was Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s philosophy that women cannot be truly empowered until they are financially empowered. This has not made our women into beggars but empowered them. There are various examples of women being alleviated from the poverty line. They have been able to acquire education for their children through this. It was never meant to be just the BISP, as the PPP simultaneously aimed to introduce the ‘Waseela-e-Haq, Rozgaar, Taleem and Sehat’. The Party desired a comprehensive poverty alleviation. However, the following governments did not support the other aspects of the project. 

Talking about the Peoples Housing Initiative, Chairman PPP said that the PPP through its own efforts during the Sindh government is building 20 million houses for the flood victims in a revolutionary step. It is one of the biggest reconstructions of housing programmes ever after a natural disaster. It is not only catering to the need for shelter, but also women empowerment while also being the biggest means of asset transfer. Hence, the PPP is planning to further strengthen the people by providing them with an asset, which can empower them financially overnight and provide investment opportunities. 

Answering another question, Chairman Bilawal said that the correct way of tackling pressure by the elite was the one introduced by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, due to which he was sent to the gallows. It was the last time that the elite of Pakistan was shaken up aggressively by the state. A reaction to the PPP’s policy is inevitable, but the solution is to help repose the trust and stake between the people and the country, economy and state. Chairman Bilawal said that he can build metros and spend the money elsewhere, but that will be met with resistance. However, since the money is being spent on the people directly, the public at least will stand for the measures and help the government deal with the elite. 

Responding to a question regarding the marginalised communities and religious minorities, Chairman Bilawal said that in the detailed manifesto the Party has laid out a comprehensive plan to address the various issues faced by the minorities in Pakistan. Even in the past, the PPP has made efforts to address the concerns of these communities through legislative measures. In the ‘Rights For All’ section of the manifesto, the measures to be taken by the Party have been addressed in detail. The PPP has made pledges regarding addressing the issues of enforced disappearances and misuse of the blasphemy law. 

Responding to a question regarding South Punjab, Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has always focused on the region in every era. PPP is the only party that provided South Punjab with its due share. The PPP took the initiative to make South Punjab a province, and even legislated in this regard. If it is desired by the people that this is implemented, then the solution is to allow for the PPP to have a two-thirds majority. However, till then, measures can be taken to help empower the downtrodden people from the region and address their issues in the mainstream. 

Answering a question regarding the brain drain, Chairman Bilawal said that it is a genuine problem. The demographic growth rates of the country show a significant population of the youth. Providing employment to the youth is a major challenge. The PPP has proposed to invest in the economy in a manner that helps create economic activity. We have to transform this crisis into an opportunity. In countries worldwide, their demographic dynamic is the exact opposite as there is a deficit in the population of the youth. They cannot fill the jobs in their economy with their own population. Hence, the PPP has begun its work regarding this, and during my time in the office, we initiated discussions with the European Union as well as countries all over, Chairman Bilawal said. Japan needs four million people to come to their country every year to tackle their dynamic challenge. The PPP aims to equip the youngsters with the modern and technical skills while providing language courses so that they can make the country proud all over the globe as was the case during the Quaid-e-Awam’s era. 

Chairman PPP said that the Party has awarded 18% of its tickets to the youth, as opposed to the significantly lower seats awarded by the PTI and PML-N. The future generations of the country would have to bear the consequences of the decisions taken by parties that are still engaging in the traditional form of politics. This is the reason why the youth should at least be given a seat on the table so that they can voice their concerns. The mayors of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana are all young. There should be a transition, and the youth should be given an opportunity. If given the chance, the youngsters of Pakistan can deliver. 

Responding to a question, Chairman Bilawal said that there are two ways to engage in politics. One way is to use force, while the other is to prioritise the will of the people. The beauty of the parliamentary system lies in it giving us an opportunity to listen to the other side, and consider everyone equal and meander through the diverse opinions. When politics resorts to personal vendetta, then progress cannot take place. We cannot remain a welfare state for the elite, while we continue to be a country that sees a historic rise in poverty, inflation and unemployment. Overqualified people are working in underqualified positions. The PPP is willing to compromise and talk to others, given that they put forward a proposal and are willing to work for the sake of the people. 

Responding to a question regarding the implementation plan, Chairman PPP said that he would utilise the help of the youngsters, as the country needs out-of-the-box solutions. We need the energy of the youngsters, and a PPP government will proactively engage people from all backgrounds. 

Chairman Bilawal said that as the Foreign Minister, he made efforts to encourage the monetisation of digital platforms in Pakistan including META. The PPP wishes to invest in communication infrastructure. The era of investing in motorways is over, and the people need to be provided with high-speed internet all over the country. Resultantly, the youth will itself help the country emerge from the economic quagmire.

Chairman Bilawal’s media talk in Rawalpindi

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the headquarter of Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya (TNFJ) Pakistan, in Satellite Town Rawalpindi. Talking to journalists on the occasion Chairman Bilawal said that he has come here to revive the relations of the times of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He said that the politics of hate and division is harming Pakistan. We need to be united and we will struggle together for a stronger and better Pakistan. 

The head of TNFJ, Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi announced to support the PPP in the upcoming elections. Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari accompanied the Chairman PPP. The Secretary General TNFJ, Allama Basharat Hussain Imami. Additional SG Allama Syed Qamar Haider Rizvi, Chairman political cell Zulfiqar Ali Raja, Secretary public relations Syed Hasan Kazmi and coordinator Syed Ali Mehdi were included in the delegation which met the PPP Chairman. 

Responding to questions, Chairman PPP said that the PPP was not in PDM when in coalition government. We joined the coalition government to reduce the problems the country was facing. Perhaps the other party was not interested. We need to solve our problems unitedly and there is benefit in working together. Chairman Bilawal said that he does not listen to the speeches of Mian Nawaz Sharif but I have challenged him for a debate as it is a tradition internationally so that everyone can talk about their manifesto. Shehbaz Sharif had said that he wanted to have that debate in Sindh which I had accepted. I do not know why Mian Sahib is running away from the debate. Pakistan specially Punjab has always supported brave people. Mian Sahib wants to become PM for the fourth time and if he knows about his own policies then he should come to Sindh and debate with me in any city of Sindh whether in Gambat, Karachi or Tharparkar.  

Replying to another question Chairman Bilawal said that we are in politics for the last three generations. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and our government from 2008 till 2013 fulfilled the promises made in our manifestos. We want to take along everyone who wants the end of politics of hate and division. The CM of the interim Punjab government and the ECP should have acted against the people who are harassing the PPP workers in Punjab specially in NA-127. When a councillor of PML-N joins PPP gets arrested in NA-127. When PTI’s councillor wants to join PPP they suddenly remember the 9th May incident had happened. This is PML-N’s politics which wants to contest without any rival. This is undemocratic. The PML-N thinks that it has knocked out a party on technical ground. They want the same undemocratic means against the PPP. I ask the CM Punjab, IG Punjab and CS Punjab that were the PPP workers involved in 9 May incidents. Whenever PPP workers become active they are arrested. A party will protest no matter what are the results and do they want that another party should join that protest as well. Why the PML-N is frightened? They say that they are the most popular politicians then why they are troubling PPP workers. Mian Sahib wants to become PM by hook or crook the fourth time but the majority of the population does not want him the PM the fourth time. The PML-N is insecure. 

TNFJ announced supporting PPP in elections

Chairman Bilawal’s media talk in Rawalpindi

Islamabad, 29 January 2024: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited the headquarter of Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya (TNFJ) Pakistan, in Satellite Town Rawalpindi. Talking to journalists on the occasion Chairman Bilawal said that he has come here to revive the relations of the times of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. He said that the politics of hate and division is harming Pakistan. We need to be united and we will struggle together for a stronger and better Pakistan. 

The head of TNFJ, Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqaddasi announced to support the PPP in the upcoming elections. Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari accompanied the Chairman PPP. The Secretary General TNFJ, Allama Basharat Hussain Imami. Additional SG Allama Syed Qamar Haider Rizvi, Chairman political cell Zulfiqar Ali Raja, Secretary public relations Syed Hasan Kazmi and coordinator Syed Ali Mehdi were included in the delegation which met the PPP Chairman. 

Responding to questions, Chairman PPP said that the PPP was not in PDM when in coalition government. We joined the coalition government to reduce the problems the country was facing. Perhaps the other party was not interested. We need to solve our problems unitedly and there is benefit in working together. Chairman Bilawal said that he does not listen to the speeches of Mian Nawaz Sharif but I have challenged him for a debate as it is a tradition internationally so that everyone can talk about their manifesto. Shehbaz Sharif had said that he wanted to have that debate in Sindh which I had accepted. I do not know why Mian Sahib is running away from the debate. Pakistan specially Punjab has always supported brave people. Mian Sahib wants to become PM for the fourth time and if he knows about his own policies then he should come to Sindh and debate with me in any city of Sindh whether in Gambat, Karachi or Tharparkar.  

Replying to another question Chairman Bilawal said that we are in politics for the last three generations. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and our government from 2008 till 2013 fulfilled the promises made in our manifestos. We want to take along everyone who wants the end of politics of hate and division. The CM of the interim Punjab government and the ECP should have acted against the people who are harassing the PPP workers in Punjab specially in NA-127. When a councillor of PML-N joins PPP gets arrested in NA-127. When PTI’s councillor wants to join PPP they suddenly remember the 9th May incident had happened. This is PML-N’s politics which wants to contest without any rival. This is undemocratic. The PML-N thinks that it has knocked out a party on technical ground. They want the same undemocratic means against the PPP. I ask the CM Punjab, IG Punjab and CS Punjab that were the PPP workers involved in 9 May incidents. Whenever PPP workers become active they are arrested. A party will protest no matter what are the results and do they want that another party should join that protest as well. Why the PML-N is frightened? They say that they are the most popular politicians then why they are troubling PPP workers. Mian Sahib wants to become PM by hook or crook the fourth time but the majority of the population does not want him the PM the fourth time. The PML-N is insecure.

Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, daughter of Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, said that the Pakistan Peoples Party will win the general elections on February 8 and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will become the Prime Minister of the country. She said that PPP and the people together can change the destiny of Pakistan. 

According to a press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari visited Lyari in Karachi as part of PPP’s nationwide election campaign, where she was warmly received by the people. Addressing the public at various places in Lyari, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said that the PPP is the sole party that has presented a poor-friendly and people-friendly manifesto.

We promise to eradicate poverty, build a people’s government and make the people and poor workers of Pakistan prosperous. The PPP has provided quality healthcare to people and free education to children. Issuance of the Benazir Mazdoor Card has begun in Sindh, now it will be extended to other provinces. We started Peoples Bus Service and Green Bus Line Bus Service for the people of Karachi. Bibi Aseefa reiterated the PPP’s commitment to regularise temporary housing and give ownership rights to the women.

300 units of free electricity will be provided to the public through solar energy parks, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari said. She appealed to the people to use the power of the vote wisely and make Chairman Bilawal the PM by voting for the symbol of the arrow. She said that by stamping the arrow on February 8, the people should give Bilawal Bhutto Zardari an opportunity to serve them. On February 8, the people have to remember the sign of the arrow.  “When you and I work together, no power can stop us”, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari resolved while beckoning the people of Lyari to pledge that they will make Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s nominated representatives successful.

Before the arrival of Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Jiyalas and Jiyalis were present in large numbers to welcome her. She was welcomed by a sea of people. People of all ages participated in the rally, including a large number of women. Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari remained outside her car during the rally and responded to the slogans of the people.

PPP candidates for the National Assembly and Sindh Assembly seats in Lyari, Sardar Nabil Gabol, Usman Hungoro, Yousuf Baloch, Salim Mandwiwala and Malik Fayyaz accompanied Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari. PPP Karachi Division President Saeed Ghani, General Secretary Javed Naguri and other local leaders were also present in the rally.

Former President of the country and President of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) will give the people of Balochistan and the province their due both share and dignity, and stressed that only “genuine political parties” can solve the problems facing the country.  

According to the press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, the former President while addressing an election rally in Hub district of Balochistan said that PPP is a federal party and serving the people is worship for its leadership. He said that all the problems facing the country can be solved through democracy, saying: “What can be done with democracy, cannot be done in the war.” He said that despite being a victim of grave injustices, the PPP never spoke of taking up arms. “Yes, [we] talked about fighting on the streets, holding rallies, (and) fighting for democracy around the world, including Pakistan,” he added. He said Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto raised the flag of democracy and was elected prime minister twice. “I also followed in her (Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s) footsteps and elected my prime minister and became president myself,” he added. 

President Asif Ali Zardari said that although there is no perfect democracy in the country even now, but it gradually strengthens. 

Describing Balochistan’s progress in democracy, he said that those who take up arms need to be explained. He pointed out that during his tenure, the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Program was introduced. “I gave Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan, apologised to Balochistan, took as many steps as I could. I got people released from jails, and tried to be our friends and come back considering Pakistan as their country,” he added. 

Talking about the unanimous NFC Award introduced during his tenure, the former President said that due to that initiative, the budget of Balochistan increased, and continued: “It has been 15 years since I gave the 18th Amendment. Your budget has been increased four times, but that budget (growth as a result of that budget) is not visible here.” He reiterated that he would solve the problems of entire Balochistan including Hub, saying: “We promise that we will take you forward, and take care of you. The Hub should also be like Karachi, Hub should also have hospitals, water facilities and universities.” He said that if the law and order improves, the investors of Karachi will invest in Hub too. He said that he always called Balochistan the heart of the country, so the Hub can also play the role of “mind”. 

President Asif Ali Zardari said that only political forces can solve the problems of Pakistan. He appealed to the people of Balochistan, including Hub, to make the PPP victorious in the general elections to be held on February 8. 

Meanwhile, former President Asif Ali Zardari was given a warm welcome by the people on his arrival at the venue. Slogans of “Jeay Bhutto”, “Zinda Hai, Bibi Zinda Hai”, “Ek Zardari Sab Pe Bhari” and “Prime Minister Bilawal” echoed in the rally. 

PPP leader and former Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo, Ali Hassan Zehri, Sabir Baloch, Iqbal Shah, Wadera Hassan Jamot, Abdul Wahab Bizenjo, Abdul Karim Marri, Sharif Palari and other leaders were also present.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a mammoth public gathering of the Party in Multan expressed his gratitude to the Jiyalas of Multan for coming out in huge numbers and proving that the city supports the PPP. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the Jiyalas of Multan have supported the party through adversities. From February 8, there will be a new beginning and the tough times will come to an end. Pakistan is currently facing unprecedented challenges, and inflation, poverty and unemployment are on the rise. Simultaneously, terrorists are again conspiring against the country and trying to render the sacrifices of our policemen and soldiers redundant. There is also a societal crisis in our nation. Traditional politicians have changed politics to a means of exacting revenge and settling personal scores. This has divided entire societies, institutions and families. The PPP resolves to bury the politics of hatred and division. The Party will unify the country and combat the challenges faced by the people, including the economic quagmire and the security situation. The PPP will form a modern, powerful and progressive Pakistan. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he is the sole politician who has been touring the country for many months, ranging from KP to Balochistan. The PPP is the only party that is looking towards the people and believes that they are the source of power. With the votes of the people, the people will form a government that serves them. The rest of the political parties do not care for the problems faced by the country, but coming to power for the fourth time. They are burning the country, harming the economy but are pleased just because they get to sit on the seat of the PM for the fourth time. Chairman Bilawal said that he is not contesting the election by resorting to violence or hate. 

Chairman PPP said that he has prepared a 10-point economic charter to combat the plethora of crises faced by the nation. The PPP will take from the elite and give to the downtrodden, as per the ideology of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The PPP aims to devolve the 17 ministries operating in the federation that was to be done after the 18th Amendment. 300 billion rupees of the people are wasted on these ministries. They will be devolved, their budgets will be cut and allocated to projects for the welfare of the people. Chairman Bilawal said that 1500 billion rupees are given to the elite annually, and the PPP aims to spend the amount directly on the farmers, labourers and students. 

The PPP resolves to not only increase wages, but double them within five years. The Party also resolves to provide 300 units of electricity free-of-cost to the deserving citizens of the country through solar power. The PPP aims to construct three million houses for the people all over the country, and give ownership to the women of the households. The Jiyalas should convey to the people that the PPP government is resolving to regularise temporary houses while giving ownership to the women. Addressing the women of Waseb, Chairman Bilawal said that he wishes to serve the women of the nation as a son. The PPP plans to not only expand the revolutionary Benazir Income Support Programme but also provide interest-free loans to the women of the country so that they can gain financial independence and contribute to the economy of the country. Addressing the farmers and labourers of South Punjab, Chairman Bilawal said that he is aiming to provide the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ and the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’, to provide crop insurance and financial assistance to all small farmers, and social security to labourers after February 8. For the youth, the PPP aspires to initiate the ‘Youth Card’ so that unemployment can be dealt with and the youngsters are equipped with all the necessary skills they need, along with financial assistance.

Chairman Bilawal said that these are not mere claims, but the promises PPP aims to fulfil, as done by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in the past. Chairman PPP said that he is contesting the elections from Lahore, and conveying the message of the people to Raiwand. An impression is given regarding Lahore that it is a utopian city. However, there too, the people are troubled by poverty and unemployment, and their roads too are damaged. The PPP wishes to represent the entire country and solve its problems without any discrimination. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP will continue the struggle it had initiated for the Waseb. We are just on the brink of elections, but the PML-N has not announced its manifesto till date because they themselves do not know what they will do after coming to power. The PML-N is a ‘copy-paste’ party. Whatever the PPP announces, the PML-N follows suit. The entire PML-N first criticises PPP’s promise of 300 units of electricity, but imitates the same in its next rally. Chairman Bilawal had said in Sindh that he wishes to be no one’s laadla but of the people, and his sister from the PML-N then said that Nawaz Sharif is the ‘laadla’ of people in their rally. Instead of opting for imitators, the people should opt for the arrow, Chairman PPP said. They steal everything and from everywhere. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto made the country an economic power and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto brought missile technology, but the PML-N, just because they pressed a button at the end, portray themselves as the pioneers of the programme. They say that CPEC is their project, when they would criticise President Zardari for going on official visits to China. Nawaz Sharif is not the founder of CPEC, but the ‘chor’ of CPEC. The route of the CPEC was laid out to reach Balochistan through the poor regions, but they manoeuvred it to include Lahore and wasted money on the Orange Train instead. They also wish to steal ownership of the Benazir Income Support Programme. This was implemented by President Zardari, and he was criticised incessantly by them, but when it has reached international acclaim, they wish to steal it too. They also say that the Thar Coal Project that was initiated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, implemented by President Zardari and Chairman Bilawal himself. The only hindrance in the project was Nawaz Sharif, but his party now paints him as the founder. They cannot fool the people, as the entire country knows their reality now. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP can no longer work with them, and those in Raiwand think that the match is set. 

Chairman PPP said that if the people do not waste their vote by opting for independent candidates, and decide that they will stop the lion in its path, then the country will prosper. The country should stamp the symbol of the arrow to hunt the lion and establish a government of the people. Chairman PPP said that when given the opportunity, the CM Punjab will be from South Punjab while he himself serves the people as their PM. 

In the Senate elections, the PPP had resolved to make Yousaf Raza Gillani a senator. This was received with speculation but the PPP achieved its aim. The PPP also made the no-confidence successful. On February 8, the people have to make the PPP triumphant so that it can serve them.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, addressing a public gathering of the Party in Gujrat expressed his gratitude to the Jiyalas for showing up in such large numbers and expressing their love for the PPP despite the harsh weather. 

Chairman Bilawal said that those who used to say that the PPP is not present in Punjab and are not contesting, have nothing to talk about but the Party these days. If there is any party that is serious about the elections, then it is the party of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Only the PPP’s Jiyalas are running the election campaign. The PPP has held conventions and gatherings all over KP, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh. As opposed to this, the PPP’s rivals do not even leave their houses. There is a reason behind the lion not going out to hunt, but demanding someone else to hunt on its behalf. They do not even have a manifesto to show, as it is still being prepared. They cannot even tell the people how they will serve them after coming to power for the fourth time. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he has prioritised the most essential issues faced by the Pakistani people, which are inflation, unemployment and poverty. He said he has himself prepared the 10-point Awami economic charter which will combat the plethora of issues faced by the people. The PPP’s 10 promises to the people need to be conveyed to every doorstep. The right to vote is the power of the people, and this is what the people of Punjab need to be apprised of. The PPP resolves to not only increase wages, but double them within five years. The Party also resolves to provide 300 units of electricity free-of-cost to the deserving citizens of the country. The PPP aims to construct three million houses for the people all over the country, and give ownership to the women of the households. Simultaneously, the PPP government is resolving to regularise temporary houses while giving ownership to the residents so they too can experience the serenity of living in one’s own place. Moreover, the PPP plans to not only expand the revolutionary Benazir Income Support Programme but also provide interest-free loans to the women of the country so that they can gain financial independence and contribute to the economy of the country. Chairman Bilawal said that he wishes to serve the women of the nation as a son. The Party is aiming to provide the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ and the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’, to provide crop insurance and financial assistance to all small farmers, and social security to labourers, instead of giving subsidises worth billions to the elite. For the youth, the PPP aspires to initiate the ‘Youth Card’ so that unemployment can be dealt with. Educational institutions and affiliated campuses will be constructed in districts all over the country so that the students are facilitated. The PPP achieved in Sindh what the other parties could not despite getting three opportunities. The people can access free healthcare treatments ranging from liver and kidney ailments to cardiac issues from institutions all over Sindh. The PPP aims to construct similar institutions all over Punjab. This is not only to facilitate the people, but also those who have not been able to construct a single free healthcare institution despite getting three turns to do so. It was the dream of Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that no child or adult goes to sleep on an empty stomach. Hence, the Party plans to introduce the ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’ to combat hunger. This is the crux of the 10-point agenda and on February 8, when the symbol of the arrow is stamped, all these promises will be fulfilled. 

Addressing the supporters of the PML-N, Chairman Bilawal said that the PML-N workers who had turned democratic and faced General Musharraf in the ARD, and talked of the sanctity of the vote, saw their own party leave its narrative. This is the same old PML-N of Dictator Zia-ul-Haq and IJI. If the workers of PML-N want democracy and for the sanctity of the vote to prevail, they should stamp the symbol of the arrow as this is the lion that sucks the blood of the farmers, labourers, youth and the downtrodden. Addressing the workers of the PTI, Chairman PPP said that if they wish to stop Nawaz Sharif from becoming the PM for the fourth time, then they could either waste their vote by opting for independent candidates, which amounts to supporting the PML-N, or channel their energy and strategically use their right to vote. They should consider that the contest is between two parties, and to stop the lion in its path, the arrow of the PPP needs to be stamped. Chairman Bilawal said that he will stop the lion in its path, and when given the opportunity on February 8, he will himself book a ticket for them on February 9 to return to their Avenfield apartments in London. It is their misconception that they have already won the elections after appointing an interim government in connivance with Raja Riaz coupled with the absence of the symbol of the bat. They are so confident that they do not even feel the need to campaign. However, if the people of Punjab and the country wake up, and decide to stop them, then nothing can stop them till they achieve their objective. The people should come out in historic numbers on February 8 and stamp the symbol of the arrow. The PPP will establish a democratic, pro-people government. There was not one political prisoner during Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s time. She could have asked her supporters to avenge her father’s killing. When President Zardari came to power, he could have asked the workers to avenge his wife’s killing and the torture he was subjected to, but he raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’ instead. 

The PPP aims to follow the footsteps of its predecessors, and upon coming to power, Chairman Bilawal said that his first instruction would be to release the political prisoners. The people will unify the country so that we can combat the grave problems faced by the country, including the economic issues as well as the law and order situation with terrorism on the rise once again. The Party will work for the youth, in the same manner that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto did by sending them to work all over the world and make Pakistan proud. The only option for the people to render all conspiracies against the country redundant is to opt for the arrow of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, farmers, labourers, youth, minorities and the downtrodden masses.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a mammoth gathering of the Jiyalas in Bhalwal, Sargodha said that he is pleased to be standing on the soil of Punjab, among the Jiyalas of Punjab. He expressed his gratitude to the people for showing up in historic numbers despite the harsh weather. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the country is at a crossroads, and is facing a plethora of challenges, including poverty, unemployment and inflation. Then, the country is also facing democratic and societal crises. The traditional politics of hatred and division has caused a divide between the entire society, families and institutions. Pakistanis are being made to fight amongst themselves. The PPP has decided to strive for Pakistan, and bury this traditional politics of hatred and division that has only ever caused devastation. The PPP is contesting the elections only for the people, farmers, labourers and the youth. No other political party is concerned with the problems that the people face, they only care for their political ambitions and to come to power for the fourth time. The PPP, on the other hand, is contesting the elections to implement on its manifesto and narrative that it has inherited from Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The PPP does not engage in the politics of hatred and division, nor does it use foul language against its opponents. 

Chairman PPP said that he has himself prepared a 10-point socioeconomic charter for the people to combat the current crises, which is an agreement between him and them. Those contesting for the seat of the PM for the fourth time are yet to apprise the people of their manifesto. When the lion comes to power, the blood of the people, farmers, labourers and youth is sucked. The PPP, on the contrary serves the people. We wish to establish a government of the people. 

The PPP’s first promise to the people is to double their income. This is followed by the Party’s aim to provide 300 units of electricity free-of-cost to the deserving citizens of the country, and other parties are trying to copy this aim. Another promise to the people is that the PPP will construct three million houses for them throughout the country and give the ownership to the women of the households, as it is already doing in Sindh. Moreover, the Jiyalas need to convey the message to all those living in temporary housing that their space would be regularised and they will gain ownership. The PPP initiated the revolutionary Benazir Income Support Programme, and as an effort to combat poverty, we aim to not only expand the BISP but also provide interest-free loans to the women of the country so that they can run their household and gain financial independence while contributing to the economy of Pakistan. The PPP is the only party that believes in, ‘Kissan Khushaal, Mulk Khushaal’. Hence, the Party is aiming to provide the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ and the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’, to provide crop insurance and financial assistance to all small farmers, and social security to labourers, instead of giving subsidises worth billions to the elite. President Zardari had prioritised our own farmers, and this resulted in us becoming sugar and wheat exporters from being importers within a year. 

Addressing the youth of the country, Chairman PPP said that they need to realise that the vote is their source of power, which was given to them by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. It is in the hands of the people to render the conspiracy against the country redundant, by making their vote count and choosing not to opt for a person who is aiming to come to power for the fourth time. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP has introduced the concept of the ‘Youth Card’, especially for the youngsters that have to go from pillar to post for employment despite possessing the educational qualifications. It was Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s dream that no child or adult goes to sleep on an empty stomach, which is why the PPP aims to bring forth the ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’. The PPP will also construct free-of-cost healthcare institutions all over Punjab, as it has done in Sindh. This is especially important for Punjab, because its politicians are habitual of going to London to receive treatment. They were not able to establish a single institution despite getting three turns as we did in Sindh. Hence, the PPP will construct healthcare facilities in Sargodha, as well as Raiwand. Moreover, the Party also wishes to establish educational institutions such as universities and affiliated campuses not only in the major cities, but also in small towns and districts. The PPP resolves to cater to every stratum of the society, Chairman PPP said.  

Chairman Bilawal said that the promises that the PPP is making to the people are not mere claims, they are a reflection of the PPP’s history. The Party has always fulfilled its promises to the people, be it in the eras of Quaid-e-Awam or Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The people have suffered through the eras of dictators General Zia and General Musharraf, as well as Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan. The people of the country need to decide whether they wish to suffer through the same politics again, in which even the families of one’s opponents are not spared. It is up to the people to decide whether they should continue to remain downtrodden. Chairman Bilawal recalled an English proverb, which is, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again while expecting a different result’. This is the very reason that the PPP and its leadership is going to every corner of the country, because it reposes trust in the people only, as it has been taught that people are the source of power. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto could have asked for revenge, and directed the crowd that had come to give her a historic welcome in Lahore in 1986 to avenge her father’s killing, but she chose to serve the people. Now, whenever someone is facing a NAB case, they attack institutions. However, President Zardari chose not to engage in political victimisation of any form, and raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he prays that no other political party and its workers suffer through the same tyrannical treatment meted out to his family, party and its workers. He said that the PPP wishes to transform Pakistan into a modern state that looks after its people. The contest now is between the lion and the arrow, it is between the PPP of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and the PML-N of late General Zia. Nadeem Afzal Chan, Zahid Iqbal, Rao Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Awais Ranjha, Ilyas Mehmood, Tasneem Qureshi, Chaudhary Javed, Mehar Mohammad Lak, Tariq Mehmood Gujjar, Abdul Latif Sindhu, Hasan Raza Bhatti, Rana Jamshed Khan, Mr. Sialvi, Muhammad Ali Raza, Muhammad Ali Awan, Azhar Ali Awan, Chaudhary Ali Akbar, Nawab Malik Ameer Muhammad Khan, Rana Aziz ur Rehman and Aijaz Ali Khan Shahani are the representatives of the symbol of the arrow, and will be made triumphant by the people.