Former President and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed optimism about his party's performance in Punjab in the upcoming general elections, set to take place on February 8.
In an interview televised on January 29 on a private channel, he asserted that good results can be achieved even without independent candidates.
He emphasized the importance of constructive criticism during elections.
Addressing the dynamics of the electoral landscape, Zardari remarked on PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto's efforts to garner votes and said that they were trying to attract the anti-Nawaz vote towards the PPP.
PPP co-chair claimed that the independent candidates who joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after 2018 elections were forced to join it.
He also predicted that some might join the PPP after securing victories. He added that many 'electables' who had joined PTI ahead of 2018 polls now want to return to the PPP.
Regarding specific candidates, Zardari noted that it would be a surprise if Latif Khosa emerged victorious.
Furthermore, he described Bilawal Bhutto as a reflection of PPP's ideology and stressed the party's commitment to pushing forward its agenda.
Zardari expressed confidence that the PPP will achieve favourable results in the general elections without relying on independent candidates.
When discussing the possibility of forming a coalition government with Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), he mentioned that, for now, he couldn't provide definite information.
He further said that they had advised all parties not to boycott the elections and to sit in the assembly.
He further said that he would like to see Bilawal as the prime minister.