by Tehseen Raza | Zulqernain Tahir in Dawn, Sept 14th, 2023
• Calls for unified approach to handle country’s problems; broadsides PDM for abandoning ‘charter of economy’
MUZAFFARGARH / LAHORE: In a thinly-veiled criticism of former coalition partner PML-N, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that no one knew when the general elections would be held, but a “certain party” already had such information.
“No one knows when the elections are supposed to be held, not me, or the chief election commissioner, but a certain party already has the information. This is the reason I talk about level playing field,” the PPP chairman said while talking to reporters and addressing a gathering in Muzaffargarh where he came to offer condolences to former state minister Mehr Irshad Ahmad Sial over death of his brother.
His remarks came against the backdrop of statements by some PML-N leaders who have been claiming that the upcoming general elections will take place in February next year. ….
Mr Bhutto-Zardari said the previous government was run by an alliance of the PDM and the PPP and each of them are answerable for their own ministerial performances. He said the problems of the country were such that one party could not claim that it alone would be able to handle everything; “we have to move forward with a united approach”.
“It is unfortunate that political polarisation has turned us into enemies instead of political opponents. We would need to create an equilibrium which allows for all political parties to operate independently but work unitedly for the country.”
As far as delimitations are concerned, he said, if they are to take place, they could be done in 90 days as per the Constitution. If they are to be delayed, then the Election Commission of Pakistan can see to it that at least the date is given, he added.
He said the Pakistan Democratic Movement does not seem interested in the ‘charter of economy’ anymore.
“We had also wished for a second CoD to take place. It is very difficult for us to engage those who were directly involved in anti-nation acts such as the perpetrators of May 9, but the rest, regardless of their political affiliation, are all citizens of Pakistan and we are willing to work with them for the sake of the country.”
Mr Bhutto-Zardari said the PPP will devise its strategy regarding the elections in its Central Executive Committee meeting on Thursday (tomorrow), adding that it is his personal wish for every constituency to be won by ‘arrow’, the party’s election symbol.
He said seat-adjustment with other parties in some constituencies will be decided at the CEC meeting…….
https://www.dawn.com/news/1775720/bilawal-fires-thinly-veiled-salvo-at-pml-n-over-poll-date
