Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that that it appears founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has chosen not to nominate his candidate for the Prime Ministership, contrasting with Shahbaz Sharif's situation.
Speaking to journalists after condoling with the family members of a 12-year-old worker in Karachi’s New Karachi area, he said that the Sunni Ittehad Council (PTI) should be honest with its workers as they lack a majority in the National Assembly.
He pointed out that PTI did not oppose Shehbaz Sharif's candidacy and lacks the necessary numbers to establish the government. Bilawal speculated that Khan himself might have decided against fielding a candidate against Shehbaz Sharif.
Expressing concern over Pakistan’s economic situation, the PPP chairman stated that merely writing a letter to the IMF won’t suffice, and the country’s crisis, leading to increased unemployment and inflation, will exacerbate. He criticized prioritizing personal politics over national interest.
Regarding the violent incidents during the election, including the martyrdom of two PPP workers in Karachi’s Central District, and the tragic death of the 12-year-old, he criticized the disappointing performance of law enforcement agencies during the election campaign.
He announced plans to establish a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) after the formation of the Sindh government to probe all violent incidents during the election, ensuring justice for all individuals involved according to the law.
Responding to allegations of rigging by political parties, the former foreign minister questioned the legitimacy of the claims, asking whether his own Larkana seat was rigged. He accused political parties of resorting to accusations of rigging for blackmailing purposes, pledging that PPP will not engage in such tactics.
Bilawal highlighted PPP’s victory in two provincial seats, PS-124 and PS-125 in Karachi, according to Form 45, but alleged rigging in their allocation to other parties. He expressed hope for justice through legal channels and warned of further action if justice is not served, condemning rigging as a tool for victory.
