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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.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a mammoth public rally in Chiniot said that he had come to the people of the region before the 2018 elections, then when the floods hit it, and now has come to visit the Jiyalas to campaign for the 2024 elections, and they have welcomed the Party with fervour and zeal each time. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the country is facing unprecedented price-hike, unemployment and poverty. We are witnessing a historic economic crisis. A societal crisis has also been created in our society by traditional politicians. They are engaging in the politics of division and hate instead of serving the people. They are doing politics of personal vendetta which is harming our society and economy. The PPP is doing politics to bury the traditional style of the politics of hate and division for good. We have to learn to live with political differences. The Jiyalas have tolerated the violence and injustice meted out by dictator General Zia ul Haq and in the first two tenures of Nawaz Sharif. The Jiyalas have dealt with dictator General Musharraf’s highhandedness and Imran Khan’s style of vendetta and victimisation. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was sent to the gallows, but upon coming to power, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto taught us that ‘Democracy is the best revenge’. She prioritised serving the people and solving their problems over settling personal scores. When President Zardari came to power after the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, he raised the slogan of ‘Pakistan Khappay’. There was not one political prisoner during PPP’s five-year tenure. This is because the PPP believes in its narrative and manifesto. 

Chairman Bilawal said if given the opportunity, he will focus solely on serving the people and there will be no political prisoners. We will not have any woman political prisoner, as arresting sisters and daughters is not our politics or culture. This politics of hate has caused divisions between families and institutions. If the politicians of Pakistan keep fighting each other, then it will benefit all those wishing to harm Pakistan. Chairman Bilawal said that he has served as the Foreign Minister of the country, and he knows the conspiracies being hatched against Pakistan internationally. We cannot let this happen. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he has himself prepared a 10-point Awami economic agreement, which is symbolic of the promise he is making to the people, following the footsteps of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The Jiyalas of Chiniot should go door to door and apprise the people of the aims of the 10-point agenda. We are not instructing our workers to engage in the politics of hate, use foul language or violence against our political opponents. We are directing them to make the people aware of the PPP’s resolve to serve them. The first aim of the PPP after coming to power is double the wages of the people within five years. Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP aims to provide 300 units of electricity free-of-cost to all the deserving people. Moreover, we wish to implement Quaid-e-Awam’s promise of providing shelter to the people, as we are already doing for the flood victims in Sindh by constructing two million houses for them and giving ownership to the women of the households. Chiniot often suffers through floods, but not once has any other political party constructed any houses for it. The PPP promises to build three million houses all over the country, including Chiniot and give ownership to the women of the households. The PPP also wishes to give ownership rights to all those living in temporary housing, so that they too can live in the serenity of their own home. The PPP plans to not only expand the internationally-acclaimed Benazir Income Support Programme but also provide the women of the country with interest-free loans so that they can contribute to the economy. We wish to bring the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ and ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ to provide financial assistance to the farmers and social security to the labourers. The federal government gives 1500 million rupees’ worth of subsidies to the elite of the country, the largest share of which goes to the energy sector followed by the fertiliser sector. The PPP deems this a great injustice, as electricity, gas and fertilisers are all out of reach of the people. The PPP also plans to introduce a system of crop insurance through the card given to the farmers. We are the only party that believes in ‘Kissan Khushaal, Mulk Khushaal’. For our labourer brothers and sisters from all backgrounds, the PPP will bring the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’ and will get them their due rights by devolving the numerous ministries operated by the federal government. Most importantly, the PPP resolves to introduce the ‘Benazir Youth Card’ for the brothers and sisters who go from pillar to post in search of employment, despite having the necessary educational qualifications. Through this card, the PPP wishes to empower the youngsters of the country by providing financial assistance to all those deserving of it, and simultaneously equipping them with the necessary skills and experience required. Through Youth Centers, the PPP aims to establish a place where the youth can access the internet, libraries and all other facilities needed to flourish. Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was known for providing employment, and Chairman Bilawal too wishes to be remembered for the same, he expressed. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the people should ask whether those wishing to come to power for the fourth time established free healthcare institutions. No other country can compete with the number of patients suffering from cardiac ailments that the NICVD treats, and that too free-of-cost. Not one government provided a free healthcare institution for Chiniot, which the PPP aims to do within six months of coming to power. The ones wishing to compete with us wish to come to power the fourth time, but they should be asked what they did during three times. After coming to power, they only aim to engage in the traditional politics of hate and then repeat the ‘Mujhe Kyun Nikala?’ narrative. The PPP is contesting the elections to come to power, not to make excuses. Chairman Bilawal said that he needs only one opportunity to change the fate of the people. The people have to elect the PPP so that a rule of the people, farmers, labourers, youngsters and the downtrodden can be formed once again. The elections are set to take place on February 8, and this is the time that the conspiracy being hatched for the fourth time is rendered redundant, Chairman Bilawal said. If the workers of the PTI deem that the tough days are over, they are not ready for the revenge they will be subjected to if Nawaz Sharif comes to power for the fourth time, since their politics is based on revenge and violence. This is what the Jiyalas need to convey to the pro-democracy political workers. The contest is between the ‘arrow’ and the lion, and the arrow will be triumphant through the power of the vote. The arrow is the symbol of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and all those contesting on it will be made victorious by the people of Pakistan. Allahyar Sipra, Sohail Zafar, Syed Hassan Murtaza, Syed Inayat Ali Shah and Syed Kaleem Ali Ameer will be representing the PPP from Chiniot.

Sahiwal, 22 January 2024: Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a public gathering in Sahiwal said that he is grateful that the Jiyalas of Sahiwal have come to this gathering despite the harsh weather. 

Chairman Bilawal said that Pakistan is currently going through challenging times. The PPP is the only party which can solve the problems faced by the people whereas all other parties and politicians who are contesting these elections are doing the politics of hate and division. If they come to power then they will victimise their political opponents. The way poverty, inflation and unemployment are on the increase we cannot resolve these issues if we continue to be divided. I am contesting to bury the politics of hate and division, Chairman PPP said. We need the ideology of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at this difficult period of our history. The 10-point Awami economic agreement which we have presented is the key to solve these problems. We will deal with poverty and inflation through this agenda. We will have to tread the same path as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto when it comes to looking after the farmers, labourers and youth and confronting poverty and inflation. We had introduced the Benazir Income Support Programme for our women and we will not only extend this programme also provide interest-free loans so that the women of our country can start their own businesses and contribute in the country’s economy. We will also introduce the “Benazir Kissan Card” for the farmers of Sahiwal and Pakistan. The PPP’s philosophy has been that “Kissan Khushhal, Pakistan Khushhal”. We will provide crop insurance for the smaller farmers. We will give the financial help to the farmers through the “Benazir Kissan Card” instead of giving subsidy of 1500 billion rupees to the elite. 

The PPP will provide help to the labourers through “Benazir Mazdoor Card” so that they get their rights. This facility will be extended to every kind of labour force. We will also provide the “Youth Card” to the young population to help them financially for a year and also aim to provide them training and other facilities to acquire expertise. We will look after the youth till they get employment. We think that health is the right of every citizen. We will provide a system of health which allows for the establishment of free healthcare institutions all over the country, a feat we have already achieved in Sindh. We will establish universities and campuses for the youth at their doorstep in their own district. These are all promises included in the 10-point Awami economic agreement. 

The other parties want to divide us whereas we are contesting elections on our manifesto, Chairman Bilawal said. We will not use foul language against our political opponents. Chairman PPP directed all those in attendance in the gathering to take the Party’s manifesto to every doorstep and make them aware that the PPP is the only party which serves the people. We want to introduce a new kind of politics which revolves around serving the people. We will change the fate of the nation in one term as we do not need four terms in the government to fulfil our promises. We will change the destiny of the nation and the country. You have to work hard and take this message to every brother and sister of Sahiwal in the next 18 days, Chairman Bilawal said to the Party workers. We should opt for a new form of politics, the purpose of which is to serve the people, farmers, labourers, youth and the downtrodden masses of the country. Only two parties are contesting these elections. If you want to bury the politics of hate and division then you have to elect the Pakistan Peoples Party in these elections, Chairman PPP said. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he will change the fate of the country. If the people wish for a new leadership then they should stamp the arrow of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. If they believe that those engaging in the traditional form of politics should sit at home, then too, the symbol of the arrow is to be stamped. Chairman Bilawal said that he desires to complete the incomplete mission of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. When the PPP will be victorious, the people will be victorious. We will together complete the mission of Quaid-e-Awam and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Chairman PPP resolved.

Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing a mammoth public gathering of the Party in Lahore said that he wishes to send a message to every person living in this city, province and country that they should not be disappointed. Pakistan facing an unprecedented economic crisis, with a historic surge in inflation, unemployment and poverty. The people are suffering, with the economic crisis on one hand and the social, political and democratic crises on the other. Pakistan is facing unabashed security challenges, as terrorists are again trying to emerge. Those who are still engaging in the politics of hatred and division are further dividing our society and country. The PPP will bury the politics of hate and division forever, with the support of the people. The PPP will help the country emerge from this plethora of crises. Pointing out the terrorists who are making efforts to submerge the country in chaos once again, Chairman Bilawal said that he will not let them do so. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he is contesting from Lahore himself in this election. It is said that Lahore is the heart of Pakistan. Currently, the heart of the country is shattered and we have come to Lahore to help heal the country once again by combatting all the problems faced by the country. They try to mock the PPP by taunting us that our strength is low. They need to be apprised that Lahore belongs to the PPP, not them. The citizens of Lahore set themselves on fire as a sign of protest over the killing of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. This is the same city that welcomed Shaheed Mohatrma Benazir Bhutto in a historic manner, and made her the first woman PM of the Muslim Ummah. Lahore is the city of people with honour, courage and loyalty. Chairman Bilawal said that we are believers of the ‘convoy of the 72’ and will continue to tread the path of justice and truth. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP was distanced from Lahore and the province of Punjab due to a conspiracy, which harmed the labourers, farmers, youngsters, women and minorities of the region. ‘Showbaz’ and ‘Waseem Akram Plus’ were imposed on Punjab. “Is it the fate of the people of Lahore to bear such imposition repeatedly?”, Chairman Bilawal questioned. We cannot hand Pakistan over to these traditional politicians who have all come to power, some once and others thrice. They forget the people and their promises upon coming to power. PPP is the sole political party that fulfils its promises to the people. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he has himself prepared the ‘10-point agenda’ of the PPP because he knows that the common people are suffering due to inflation, poverty and unemployment. Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto fulfilled his promise of ‘Roti, Kapra Aur Makaan’ by taking from the elite and giving to the farmers and labourers. Chairman PPP said that the PPP once again, aims to adopt the narrative of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by taking from those who are benefitted annually through subsidies worth billions. Chairman Bilawal said that if the 17 federal ministries are devolved, as per the 18th Amendment, then the money saved can be spent on the people. The elite enjoy subsidies worth 1500 billion rupees, and the PPP resolves to spend them on the downtrodden masses, the labourers, farmers and students. If the people give the PPP an opportunity to serve them, then the Party resolves to implement its 10-point charter. The Jiyalas of Lahore should go to every doorstep to apprise the people of the Party’s objective to double their income within five years, along with the numerous initiatives it plans to introduce. Chairman Bilawal said that he will implement Quaid-e-Awam’s promise of shelter to the people, by building three million houses will over the country and giving ownership to the women of the households. The Jiyalas should apprise the brothers and sisters living in temporary housing that the PPP aims to improve their living standards and regularise their houses. All those troubled by their electricity bills should be made aware that upon electing Chairman Bilawal, they will be provided 300 units of electricity free-of-cost through solar power. While addressing the women of Lahore, Chairman Bilawal said that his mother was martyred but he wishes to serve the women of the country just as a son would. The Party aims to expand the Benazir Income Support Programme and provide interest-free loans to the women so that they can gain financial independence and make their contribution in the economy. The farmers of the country should be told that the PPP is the only Party that is of the view that ‘Kissan Khushaal Toh Mulk Khushaal’. The PPP intends to introduce the ‘Benazir Kissan Card’ to provide financial assistance and insurance to the farmers for their crops. The labourers too will get their due share of rights, and will be provided social security through the ‘Benazir Mazdoor Card’. 

Chairman Bilawal said that the Jiyalas should apprise the youngsters of the sheer importance of their right to vote, given to them by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The PPP feels the pain of the youth, that goes from pillar to post in search of employment despite having several educational qualifications. Through the ‘Youth Card’, the PPP aims to provide financial assistance to the youngsters of the country, while simultaneously equipping them with the skills needed to flourish professionally. Chairman Bilawal said that it is his dream that no citizen of the country, be it a child or an adult sleep on an empty stomach. Hence, the PPP aims to introduce the ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’ to eradicate hunger from the country. 

Chairman PPP said that he resolves to complete the incomplete missions of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Two weeks remain in the elections, and the workers of the Party should continue their unyielding efforts. Only the PPP’s Jiyalas can be seen in the field, no one else. Even if the rest do not repose trust in democracy, the PPP’s workers should trust the people as only then can they be triumphant. When given the opportunity, Chairman Bilawal said that he will bury the politics of tyranny and revenge. He has seen this violent form of politics for three decades. The PPP respects political workers and activists. Addressing the workers of the self-proclaimed protectors of the ‘sanctity of the vote’, the followers of PML-N who combatted General Musharraf and bore torture for the sake of their party, Chairman PPP said that he will respect their ‘vote’ as he beckoned them to come to the PPP. Addressing the workers of PTI, Chairman PPP said that the PPP made incessant efforts to make Imran Khan realise that politics should be conducted in a dignified manner, and that using foul language or imprisoning the sisters and daughters of one’s opponents is not the correct way. Chairman Bilawal said that his family and Jiyalas have borne the torture of the PML-N owing to their political vendetta, and he does not wish for any other party to go through the same. Chairman Bilawal beckoned the workers of the PTI to support him so that he can bury this politics of personal vendetta. Upon becoming the PM, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto instructed to release all political prisoners and Yousaf Raza Gillani did the same. Chairman Bilawal said that after forming the government, he will establish a ‘Truth and Reconciliation’ forum to address the wounds of the provinces and the federation. The politics of hate, division, and distributing certificates of treason and fatwas out of personal vengeance will be put to an end. 

Chairman Bilawal said that he respects the opinions of others, and believes in consensus. The PPP’s stage itself is a testimony of this, as it hosts an array of political powers, including the PAT and Chaudhary Sarwar. Chairman Bilawal said that he would invite Tahir-ul-Qadri to take a proactive part in the politics of Pakistan as the country needs people like him. Chaudhary Sarwar and the PPP have agreed to work unitedly for the sake of the country. Chairman Bilawal said that Aitezaz Ahsan is on the stage who has supported the party for the last three generations and while there may be a difference of opinion, the PPP resolves to take everyone along and respect diversity. 

Chairman PPP said that the Party wishes to transform Pakistan into a modern state where the country’s farmers, labourers, youth, women and minorities can lead dignified lives. Chairman Bilawal raised the slogan of ‘Kal Bhi Bhutto Zinda Tha, Aaj Bhi Bhutto Zinda Hai’, while expressing the Party’s aim to serve the nation by following the footsteps of his ancestors.