Multan/Muzaffargarh: In an apparent jibe at former coalition partner Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Wednesday that no one knows when the general elections are supposed to be held but a “certain party” already has this information.
The statement came in the wake of divided opinions about the date for the polls among the stakeholders, raising concerns of another constitutional crisis in the country.
Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari addressing party workers in Muzaffargarh said that he has come to offer condolences to Mehr Irshad Ahmed Sial on the passing of his brother. Chairman Bilawal prayed to Allah Almighty to grant strength and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear this loss with equanimity. He also expressed that the PPP, as a party stands with its representative during this painful ordeal.
Chairman Bilawal said that the people of Muzaffargarh have stood with the PPP during adverse times. The people of Muzaffargarh offered unwavering support to Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and then Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. They have never disappointed the party. During the 2018 elections, despite the pressure of the state, three of our National Assembly representatives emerged triumphant due to the people of Muzaffargarh. It is hoped that Muzaffargarh would give us five victorious National Assembly members in the upcoming elections.
Chairman Bilawal said that the PPP’s relation with Muzaffargarh dates back three generations. We have combatted anti-democratic entities together in every era, be it that of General Zia, General Musharraf or the recent selected rule. He said that the people of Muzaffargarh supported the party as it initiated the no-confidence movement and participated in the long march to reach Islamabad, which made it possible for us to succeed in a feat that was perceived as impossible to achieve. We were able to oust a puppet PM from office who had not only paved the way for political, economic or constitutional crises but also left us in a quagmire when it came to foreign affairs. Today, Pakistan is riddled with a plethora of issues. As I have been travelling by road, I have been apprised of the problems of the people through them directly, and their issues range from the ever-increasing inflation to meeting basic needs such as food, health and education, Chairman Bilawal said.
He said that that the solution of these crises lies in the manifesto of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto who taught us that the economy of the country can only stand on its own when the people are financially strengthened. This is the basic difference between the philosophy of the PPP and that of the other parties who prioritise the elite over the common people of the country. They are of the view that making the rich richer would increase employment for the people. We are of the view that making the farmer and labourer rich, can help the country prosper. Tax amnesties or subsidies are perks that are given to the rich. The PPP has continuously strived to strengthen the common people, an example of which is the Benazir Income Support Programme through which the poor women of the country are able to benefit. The PPP wishes for the benefits of subsidies to reach farmers directly, without the industrialist or the middle man. We will help the country emerge from this economic turmoil through the philosophy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Zardari. Mill owners and industrialists have the access they need, it is the farmers and labourers that require a voice. The PPP is that voice. He said that in the next PPP government, the support that is available to others will be extended to self-employed labourers and those in the private sector to reap the benefits and perks of their hard work.
