Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has addressed various issues ahead of the upcoming general elections and accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of pressurising the administration to influence the decision.
In an interview with VOA Urdu, he emphasized his party's focus on contesting the polls independently, warned against alleged political pressure, and stressed the need for fair and transparent elections.
Bilawal reiterated that the PPP was not forming alliances with other parties and will fight the elections based on its own manifesto.
"I am contesting the elections and trying to ensure that the People's Party wins and forms a government," he told the news outlet.
چیئرمین پیپلز پارٹی بلاول بھٹو زرداری کے مطابق ان کی جماعت مسلم لیگ (ن) کے ساتھ اتحاد نہیں کرے گی۔ ان کے بقول سیاست میں اسٹیبلشمنٹ کا کردار کم کرنے کے لیے پہلا قدم سیاست دانوں کو اٹھانا ہوگا۔ بلاول کی وائس آف امریکہ سے گفتگو۔ #PPP #BilawalBhuttoZardari #VOAUrdu pic.twitter.com/F9RA4ZNmPW
— VOA Urdu (@voaurdu) February 5, 2024
He accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif of the PML-N of pressuring the administration, warning him against any interference in the electoral process. He expressed confidence that the administration will resist such pressure.
"Despite Nawaz Sharif's pressure, the administration will not take any such step," the PPP chief hoped.
While avoiding direct comment on the military's role, Bilawal emphasized the need for politicians to take responsibility in reducing its influence in politics. "I did not talk about the role of the establishment in any way," he stressed.
He also expressed concern over the arrest of political workers and advocated for fair and peaceful elections. He urged politicians to maintain respect and avoid hostility. "Pakistan's democracy needs more effort," he insisted, adding that politicians should work within the realm of politics.
"In the past, we have seen even tougher and more difficult situations. The arrest of political supporters should be stopped immediately," he added.
The PPP leader deemed aligning with the PML-N challenging, citing differing political approaches and accusing Sharif of promoting "politics of hatred" that could harm the country.
"This is not the same PML-N that signed the Charter of Democracy. It has become very difficult to go along with the PML-N," Bilawal remarked.
He reiterated his belief in a biased administration favouring the PML-N and called for transparent elections. "The first step for reducing the role of the establishment in politics will have to be taken by the politicians themselves," he stressed.
