Former President of Pakistan and President of Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians Asif Ali Zardari has said that the people Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) want justice from the international community under the domain of the United Nations.

In his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day, he said that Occupied Kashmir has become largest prison in the world today, where violation of human rights has become a daily routine.

Asif Ali Zardari said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto participated in the United Nations meeting as the Prime Minister along with the political leadership of IIOJK. Now the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has exposed Modi’s brutalities in Occupied Kashmir at the international level.

Asif Ali Zardari said that the freedom of IIOJK from the Indian yoke will establish lasting peace in the region.

The former President said that international human rights organizations should raise their voices against the atrocities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. 

He said that freedom of Kashmiri people is their fundamental and democratic right and the PPP Party will continue to extend political and moral support to the democratic struggle of Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination.

Talagang/Islamabad, 4 February 2024: Former President of Pakistan and President Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians, Asif Ali Zardari addressing the Jiyalas in Talagang said that he is among his own people. “My sons from Chakwal invited me, and I had to answer their call”, President Zardari said. He further said that he has made the commitment to serve the people of Talagang. The PPP government initiated the revolutionary, internationally acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme and doubled the salaries of the government employees. The inflation currently faced by the people is high to the extent that even four times their salary is not sufficient to compensate it. These rulers do not want to give the due prices of your crops, President Zardari said. 

President Zardari said that others do not wish for the people of Pakistan to make money. We will provide the growers due price of their crops. We will compensate the people of this area who require several facilities by providing gas connections and infrastructure among numerous other amenities once a PPP government is formed, President Zardari expressed.

Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has appealed to the nation to vote for his “Nai Soch” in the February 8 general elections pledging that after winning the elections, he will bury the politics of hatred and division in the country forever, which harms the nation, federation, and economy.

He also criticized the PML-N’s limited focus on specific areas within one province, stating that Nawaz Sharif is not campaigning in Sindh because of he didn’t make any contributions to the province’s development.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced that the incoming PPP government would gift a train service by laying a track from Karachi to Tharparkar, aiming at to provide quality and low-cost travel facilities to the people of the desert district.

According to a press release issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP chairman visited Chhachhro town in Tharparkar district on Saturday as part of his nationwide election campaign. He addressed a huge public meeting, expressing gratitude for the full participation of the people and stating that the people of Chhachhro and Tharparkar have already given their verdict before February 8. He emphasized that the relationship between the PPP and the people is not just political but filled with love, and vowed to be together for the rest of their lives.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pointed out that an individual seeking a fourth term as prime minister, is also making false statements about the Thar-coal project. He asked the people of Chhachhro, “Who made the Thar coal project?” to which the public replied, “Benazir, Benazir….” He explained that the Thar coal project was planned to benefit the people of Tharparkar economically.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari assured the people that he would not allow the Karonjhar Mountain in the district to be damaged by the elite, stating, “I will cut off the hands that move towards Karonjhar. Here, if anyone has the right to do business, it is the locals first.”

He emphasized that he is the only politician seeking votes from the people, while others are “looking at left and right”. He urged the public to come out in large numbers on February 8, saying that no power in the world can stop him if they do so.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized opponents aiming for a puppet government in Karachi to exploit the rights of people in Sindh. He pointed out that those contesting elections with the Star symbol in Sindh are facilitating those with the Tiger symbol, serving Lahore and Raiwind only.

He identified inflation, poverty, and unemployment as the three biggest problems and presented the PPP’s election manifesto, the “People’s Economic Agreement.” He mentioned that the manifesto has been translated into Sindhi, Saraiki, Balochi, Pashto, English, and Urdu. He pledged to double the income of the people, provide 300 units of free solar power, build three million house units with ownership rights for women, increase the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), and offer interest-free loans to women for business. He also announced the launch of Benazir Kisan Card, Benazir Mazdoor Card, and Benazir Youth Card programs to assist farmers, laborers, and youth. Additionally, he promised to establish at least one university in each district and improve the public health system with free treatment facilities, similar to NICVD, SIUT, and Gambat Medical Institute. He concluded by announcing the “Bhook Mittao Program” to provide at least one meal to primary school children.

The PPP chairman emphasized that his party believes in serving the people without discrimination. He appealed to the people of Tharparkar to support PPP candidates Dr. Mahesh Malani, Faqir Sher Muhammad Bilalani, Arbab Lutfullah, Amir Ali Shah Jilani, Dost Muhammad Rahmoon anf Qasim Siraj Soomro on February 8 and took an oath from these candidates to serve the people without discrimination after winning the elections.

Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the burden of the battle for the “Takht-e-Lahore” is being borne by the people in the form of inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He added that other parties want to divide the populace on the basis of religion, language, and sectarianism, while, “I want to serve the nation without discrimination.”

According to the press release issued by Media Cell Bilawal House, the PPP chairman reached Shikarpur from Naudero on Friday in connection with his nationwide election campaign, where a charged crowd of people welcomed him and listened his speech. In his address, he said that if there is any party that can solve the problems of the people, it is only his party, the PPP. “I have prepared a People’s Economic Agreement, which is my 10-point agenda. I will fight unemployment, inflation, and poverty by becoming your Prime Minister. These are ‘the real problems of the people of Pakistan.’ The people of Pakistan want a government that can reduce inflation, which can provide employment to the youth. You know that the PPP has been fighting the problems of unemployment and poverty faced by the people for three generations, not from today,” he added. He recalled that when Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was alive, it used to be a popular slogan among the people that “Benazir Aaey Gi, Rozgar Laey Gi (Benazir will come, bring employment).” “The next government will be of the PPP, and I will complete the unfinished mission of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and provide employment for the youth,” he vowed.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that after the 2018 elections, whether he was in the opposition or in the government, he represented the people’s voice. He said that we faced many difficulties in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic and floods. “When I came here (Shikarpur) during the floods, the victims, especially the women, demanded that their houses be built. Despite a few months left for the government’s term to end, I traveled around the world and raised funds to build houses for flood victims. We are building two million houses for the flood victims, and I will fulfill that promise. I will give the ownership rights of these houses to the women of these houses,” he added.

The PPP chairman said that except his party, all other parties are doing politics of hatred and division. “Old politicians have turned dissent into personal enmity. It is harming Pakistan; Pakistan’s economy is suffering,” he said, adding that the same forces want to sow the seeds of politics of hatred and division in Sindh as well. He said the PPP does not believe in the politics of hatred, division, and revenge. “If you support me on February 8, I will bury the politics of hatred and division by becoming your prime minister,” he pledged.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appealed to the people to make his party’s candidates successful by stamping the Arrow symbol on February 8. He appealed to the participants to make Agha Siraj Durrani, Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh, Shehryar Mahar, Arif Khan Mahar, Mehboob Ali Khan Bijarani, and Mir Shabbir Bijarani successful in the elections, due next week. “I want 100 per cent seats from Shikarpur, yes 100 percent. If you give me a thumping majority, it will be easier for me to solve your problems. I’m sure you won’t disappoint me,” he concluded.

President Human Rights Cell of the PPP former senator Farhatullah Babar has welcomed the SC agreeing to hear the intra court appeal challenging the court’s June 2023 decision in Afiya  Sheherbano case as “a step forward, albeit a small one, in ensuring accountability of judges”

The Afiya Sheherbano case was based on a reference filed in 2018 by civil society activists concerned about judicial accountability against the then chief justice while still in office. The reference however was not heard by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) as long as the CJ held the office. After his retirement the reference was quietly shelved and declared infructuous.  

Subsequently the appeal against the SJC decision was also rejected by a 2 member bench of the SC comprising of Justice Munib Akhtar and now retired Justice Ijazul  Ahsan in June 2023 who held that the judges who retire or resign do not fall within the ambit of Article 209 aimed at accountability of judges.

The two-member verdict however was challenged recently by the Attorney General to pursue a reference filed against another judge justice Mazahir Ali Akbar Naqvi in the SJC even after his resignation

Farhatullah Babar said that the civil society petitioners had raised fundamental questions about accountability of judges, an answer to which will ensure accountability of all. For instance it asked whether the SJC sitting over a reference fled before it till the judge in question retired and then declaring it as infructuous did not make Article 209 of the Constitution that determines misconduct of judges, as redundant making the accountability of judges impossible. They also asked whether the accountability body of judges is not required to decide each and every matter that is filed before it. They also raised questions about the denial of right to information as the Council gave them no information for two months until the petitioners themselves asked about the fate of the Reference.

Welcoming the SC agreeing to hear the intra court appeal he said that ensuring the accountability of judges will also strengthen voice demanding accountability of the security establishment which too has refused any attempt to hold it accountable.

The petitioners in Afiya Sheherbano case also include late journalist M Ziauddin, late Rubina Saigol, senator AfrasiabKhattak, Farhatullah Babar, Bushra Gohar, Nighat Said Khan and Farida Shaheed and many more civil society activists

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.