Tag: Asif Ali Zardari

  • ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    ‘Sab ki salary double hogi’; Bilawal Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Election Manifesto

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presented an ambitious 10-point election manifesto during a public gathering in the party stronghold Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 16th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

    The manifesto, outlined on Wednesday, aims to establish a “pro-people” government after the upcoming February 8 elections.

    Here’s a breakdown of what Bilawal promised his party would do if they came into power:
    • Double salaries within five years
    • Free solar energy of 300 units for the poor; every district to have green energy parks
    • Education for all — rolling out projects for better education
    • Free health for all across Pakistan
    • Three million houses for flood affectees and the poor
    • Expand BISP’s scope; introducing more welfare schemes
    • BSIP-like programme for farmers and ‘Hari Card’
    • Enhanced support for labourers through Benazir Mazdoor Card
    • ‘Youth Card’ for unemployed youth and ‘Youth Markaz’
    • ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’

    At the core of the agenda is a commitment to double salaries and provide 300 free units of electricity per household. This goal is to be achieved through the creation of green energy parks in every district, focusing on harnessing solar and wind energy sources.

    In addition to economic measures, Bhutto-Zardari pledged to overhaul the health sector by replicating successful models such as NICVD, SIUT, and the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences across the country. Another significant project, titled ‘Apni Zamin, Apna Ghar,’ aims to construct three million houses nationwide.

    The manifesto also includes provisions for free education, the expansion of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the introduction of Hari and Benazir Mazdoor Cards, and the establishment of youth centers in all divisional headquarters for career counseling and skill development.

    Bhutto-Zardari called for public support to navigate the current crisis, expressing confidence in the PPP’s ability to address national issues and strengthen the federation. Reflecting on the party’s past achievements, he highlighted the devolution of powers through the 18th Amendment and the successful implementation of the NFC award.

    The PPP chairman criticized certain politicians without naming them, accusing them of engaging in politics to evade legal challenges and jail time.

    “I had told my team that I wanted to contest from Lahore. I’ll take the battle to Lahore. Let’s see what happens,” he said.

    “Is it Lahore’s destiny that the same person will be installed for the fourth time?” Bilawal said while taking a jibe at the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, who is eying a record-fourth term as the country’s prime minister.

    “Our paths are different with that of those we were in government for 16 months,” Bilawal said while referring to the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government of which the PPP was a key part.

    Former President Asif Ali Zardari, speaking on the occasion, reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises made by his son. He criticized the central administration in Islamabad for its detachment from the struggles of the common people, contrasting it with the PPP’s “people-centric” approach.

  • Bilawal pledges to eliminate 17 federal ministries if PPP voted into power

    Bilawal pledges to eliminate 17 federal ministries if PPP voted into power

    Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), pledged on Monday to eliminate 17 federal ministries if his party secures victory in the general elections. This measure aims to save taxpayers a sum of “Rs300 billion.”

    Addressing a public gathering in Nawabshah, Bilawal said the 17 federal ministries should have been devolved to provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Geo News reported.

    The leader of the PPP stated that an amount of Rs300 billion was allocated for the ministries, and the government provided a subsidy of Rs1,500 billion to the ‘elite’ individuals in different sectors, such as energy and fertilizers.

    Bilawal said his party would end the subsidy for elites to provide funds to labourers and farmers through cards, he said.

    On April 8, 2010, the 18th Constitutional Amendment was enacted, leading to the decentralization of numerous federal ministries and the transfer of powers to provinces.

    Referring to the youth as the future of the nation, the PPP chief said old politicians are a thing of the past.
    Bilawal said the country’s issues could be resolved by burying the politics of “hatred and division”.

  • Who is contesting elections from where?

    Who is contesting elections from where?

    A day after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the schedule for general elections, political parties are yet to announce lists of candidates.

    Former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif, from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz PML-N, will reportedly contest polls from Lahore.

    Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, another former Prime Minister, who hails from Murree but was elected from Lahore, has opted to not contest the upcoming elections.

    Two ex-PMs from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will be contesting from Multan and Gujar Khan respectively.

    PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz will be contesting from Lahore and Karachi, while PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be a candidate from Karachi and Larkana.

    Former President and PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari will try his luck from Nawabshah.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman will be contesting from Dera Ismail Khan.

    Jamat e Islami Ameer Siraj-ul-Haq will contest polls from Peshawar.

    PML-N is expected to finalise the list of all its candidates next week, The News has reported.

    As per sources, PML-N has concluded work on more than 70% of constituencies for choosing candidates and the list of the first batch of ticketholders might be made public tomorrow (Sunday).

    The party’s parliamentary board conducted 10 meetings to finalise candidate names from various areas and is expected to complete the task on Monday (December 18).

    The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Awami National Party (ANP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and regional parties will issue the list of their candidates by the mid of next week.

    They are engaged in seat adjustment with other parties while the fate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is still hanging in the balance as the ECP gives its verdict on its intra-party elections on Monday.

  • ‘Islamabad can’t see that Balochistan is heart of Pakistan’: Asif Ali Zardari

    ‘Islamabad can’t see that Balochistan is heart of Pakistan’: Asif Ali Zardari

    Ex-president Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday called Balochistan the “heart of Pakistan”, lamenting that the view was not shared by Islamabad or the other provinces.

    He made the remarks while addressing a rally in Quetta to mark the party’s 56th foundation day, campaigning to improve its prospects in the province in the run up to the general elections.

    “Pakistan has everything. And Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan. Unfortunately, Islamabad does not see that Balochistan is the heart. The other provinces do not see it [either],” he lamented.

    “But we see that Balochistan is the heart of Pakistan. And it is very important to win over this heart. Without winning over the heart of Balochistan, we cannot fix Pakistan.”

    “There is much grief […] in Balochistan and we need to address that. We tried to do it in our time but it was not enough,” he said, adding that PPP wanted the people of Balochistan to take ownership of their land and resources.

    He said that he would ensure water was made accessible for the people of the province. “Pakistan becomes an export country when Balochistan has [access to] water,” he said.

    “We have formulas available on how to develop Pakistan, how to strengthen Balochistan, and how we have to serve you,” he added.

    Commenting on his son PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the ex-president — in an apparent slip of the tongue — said, “My son, by becoming the youngest prime minister of Pakistan, raised Pakistan’s honour and flag.”

    During the previous tenure of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, Bilawal served as the foreign minister, the youngest to do so.

    “Everyone knows him now. Some knew him because of his mother, some people knew him because of his father and some knew him because of his grandfather but today they know him because of his own identity,” he said.

    “In all seasons and at all times, we have to support him […] we have to transfer what we know […] we want to make Bilawal the leader of the youth,” he said.

    “We will redefine Pakistan, we are not weak, you are not weak,” he said as he wrapped up his speech.

    Following reports of differences between the top two leaders, party chairman Bilawal-Bhutto Zardari has called for “burying” politics of hatred and division in line with the vision of his father Asif Ali Zardari’s reconciliatory politics.

    “We have to do politics wherein we should think about unity and not of division. The PPP wants to start a new kind of politics in the country,” Bilawal said while addressing the public rally.

    “PPP is fighting against inflation and poverty due to which people are suffering. The old style of politics is based on hatred, division, and revenge. The country’s youth needs to bury such politics,” the PPP chief added.

    In the same gathering, Bilawal also fired a broadside at his political rivals saying that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is now known as the “mehangai [inflation] league” in the country.

    “People know that they are showbaz [big mouth] of politics,” the PPP chief added.

    Bilawal said Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the PML-N wanted to roll back the provincial autonomy granted under the 18th Amendment.

    “They want to occupy the resources of the provinces.PPP will not let this conspiracy succeed.”

    Bilawal also announced giving a surprise in the February 8, 2024 general elections saying a jiyala [PPP worker] will become the country’s new prime minister.

  • PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    PPP gears up for seat adjustment and alliances

    As general elections in Pakistan draw near, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has set its dialogue committee into action, assigning them crucial tasks related to discussions with other political parties and politicians.

    The committee has been mandated to schedule meetings with national and provincial figures to explore possibilities of seat adjustments in the upcoming polls slated for February 8 next year.

    Chaired by PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, the committee convened on Monday, with PPP President Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Muhammad Bacha and PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi in attendance.

    Qamar Zaman Kaira and Sajid Turi participated through video link.

    During the inaugural meeting focused on Punjab and KP, the committee delved into the overall political situation in the country and the upcoming elections.

    Bukhari, in the meeting, delegated responsibilities to committee members, tasking them with arranging meetings with key national and provincial political figures.

    The committee collectively resolved to organise separate negotiation committee meetings for each of the four provinces, aiming to forge alliances and discuss potential collaborations.

    The formation of the committee was approved by Asif Ali Zardari last week on November 25, with a well-planned strategy to engage in discussions with various political entities.

    According to a notification released on Saturday, a five-member committee formed for Punjab and K-P includes Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Faisal Karim Kundi, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and Sajid Toori.

    A two-member committee for Sindh includes Saeed Ghani and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah while a three-member committee for Baluchistan includes Changez Khan Jamali, Rozi Khan Kakar and Sabir Ali Baloch.

    This move comes in response to the efforts of the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form alliances with political parties, particularly in Sindh, considered a PPP stronghold. PML-N members recently initiated talks on alliances and seat adjustments with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) to counter the PPP’s influence in Sindh.

    Facing challenges in its historical stronghold, particularly with the formation of an anti-PPP coalition, the PPP aims to solidify its political position by actively seeking alliances and seat-to-seat adjustments ahead of the upcoming general elections.

  • What did Bilawal and Zardari talk about before he left for Dubai?

    What did Bilawal and Zardari talk about before he left for Dubai?

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari called his father, party’s co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, soon after a controversial interview he gave to Hamid Mir aired on Geo News.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure, on Thursday.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    Talking to Geo News’ Shahzeb Khanzada on Friday, Hamid Mir said that soon after the interview, Bilawal called Zardari to explain his narrative.

    “Now, after giving the interview, when he sat in his room, Bilawal called him in front of me. Bilawal tried explaining it to him — and just like a father would talk to his son — Zardari told Bilawal that you don’t need to explain yourself to me,” Mir added.

    He further explained that Zardari told his son the questions were very tough, and he needed to answer them. “Bilawal tried to explain that his narrative wasn’t targeting him and that he was talking about the politics that’s been going on for the past 70 years.”

    According to Mir, Zardari responded with a yes and further said, “But you don’t need to clarify yourself.”

    Bilawal then told Zardari that he would not be able to watch his interview completely because he was boarding a plane to Dubai, Mir said, adding that the former foreign minister said he would watch the interview later.

    Mir asked Zardari why Bilawal was leaving for Dubai. He explained that Sanam Bhutto was coming to Dubai and that he would also leave for Dubai. He said that it was a family gathering and it was pre-planned. Zardari and Bilawal are set to come back soon.

    Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been campaigning across the country, touting his party as the solution to Pakistan’s ills, while also asking “old politicians (babay)” to sit back and allow the new generation to lead from the front in the elections slated to take place on February 8 next year.

    “Several PPP old-aged leaders, I got to know, also asked Bilawal whether he wanted them to leave. But Bilawal told them that he did not want them to leave. He told them that he wasn’t talking about them.”

    Mir, however, also said that there is no doubt that several questions have been raised after this interview. “But because I’ve known Zardari for years, his actual message wasn’t about Bilawal. But since he’s his son, it became the headlines.”

  • Bilawal leaves suddenly for Dubai, day after Zardari says BBZ has a lot to learn

    Bilawal leaves suddenly for Dubai, day after Zardari says BBZ has a lot to learn

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari left the country for Dubai on Friday following what appears to be a dispute with his father.

    Bilawal’s departure comes a day after his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, said in an interview on Geo News that he was still training his son.

    Bilawal left the country on a private flight. The party is yet to disclose the reason for his visit.

    In a seeming act of defiance to his father, Bilawal changed his profile picture on X on Friday afternoon, to a photo with his mother Benazir Bhutto, the former Prime Minister and head of the PPP till her assassination in 2017.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure, on Thursday.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    The former president said the new generation has its own mindset and the right to express itself.

    He further stated that if he tried to intervene in their affairs, it would just lead to more mess.

    “If Bilawal says, ‘You do politics, I won’t’, then what can I do? People learn over time in politics. I have made several mistakes myself.”

    Zardari also mentioned that Bilawal’s narrative would’ve been the same if we were doing business, “You [Zardari] don’t know anything. It’s the same in politics.”

    Zardari said he is the president of the PPPP, which is authorised to allocate election tickets, while his son Bilawal is chairman of the PPP. “I allocate tickets,” he said.

  • ‘Experience is experience; Bilawal is inexperienced’: Asif Ali Zardari

    ‘Experience is experience; Bilawal is inexperienced’: Asif Ali Zardari

    Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been campaigning across the country, touting his party as the solution to Pakistan’s ills, while also asking “old politicians (babay)” to sit back and allow the new generation to lead from the front in the elections slated to take place on February 8 next year.

    The former president of Pakistan and Bilawal’s father, Asif Ali Zardari, during an exclusive interview with Hamid Mir on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk”, said that Bilawal is “inexperienced” and that it would take some time for him to gain more exposure.

    “Bilawal is much more talented than I am, but he isn’t experienced,” he said.

    Zardari said the new generation in every house says, “Dad, you don’t know anything”.

    The former president said the new generation has its own mindset and the right to express itself.

    He further stated that if he tried to intervene in their affairs, it would just lead to more mess.

    “If Bilawal says, ‘You do politics, I won’t’, then what can I do? People learn over time in politics. I have made several mistakes myself.”

    Zardari also mentioned that Bilawal’s narrative would’ve been the same if we were doing business, “You [Zardari] don’t know anything. It’s the same in politics.”

    Zardari said during his tenures, there was no political prisoner as he had never resorted to revenge politics. “Every now and then, new allegations were leveled against me, but I never responded to them.”

    Speaking about the different mindsets of the top PPP leaders, Zardari stated that there are two parties — PPP and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP).

    Zardari said he is the president of the PPPP, which is authorised to allocate election tickets, while his son Bilawal is chairman of the PPP. “I allocate tickets,” he said.

    He also confirmed he has the authority to issue a ticket for Bilawal in the next polls.

    Zardari said his party is actively campaigning because it is certain that general elections will take place on February 8, next year.

  • Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Pakistan is watching a wave of interviews and the latest twist in this unfolding drama has been disclosed by senior journalist Javed Chaudhry in a recent vlog, hinting that Malik Riaz, a property tycoon, is poised to unravel a series of explosive revelations in the days to come.

    Javed Chaudhry’s vlog, providing a sneak peek into an upcoming interview with Malik Riaz, outlined three key points that are expected to rock the political landscape.

    First and foremost, the interview is anticipated to shed light on the staggering Rs460 billion penalty imposed on Bahria Town by the Supreme Court. Riaz is expected to reveal what Saqib Nisar got in return for favors. He will also delve into the details of the 460 billion rupees fiasco.

    Furthermore, the property tycoon is predicted to make startling claims regarding the 2014 protest, alleging that influential figures orchestrated the demonstration to unseat then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    The revelations will also cover how the sit-in was sponsored and from where and how food was provided.

    Riaz will also talk about why he advised Nawaz Sharif to leave the country for three months after his resignation.

    Riaz is also anticipated to discuss his role in preventing a collaborative effort between Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif against Imran Khan, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped Pakistan’s political landscape.

    Riaz will also openly talk about who played what role during Imran Khan’s government and how they all benefited from it.

    While specific details of the upcoming interview were not disclosed by Chaudhry, he expressed confidence that Malik Riaz’s revelations would be nothing short of bombshells, suggesting a turbulent period ahead for Pakistani politics.

  • ‘No merger, only seat adjustment with PML-N’: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid

    ‘No merger, only seat adjustment with PML-N’: Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat has said that the people of Pakistan have pinned many hopes on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, adding that the future government will have to work for the restoration of the economy, eliminating unemployment and inflation.

    Shujaat Hussain said, ‘By overcoming the bitterness of the past, we should utilize our full capabilities to solve the issues facing the people.”

    “Our collective responsibility is not for revenge politics but for building a strong economy, providing relief to the people, and safeguarding national interests,” he added.

    PML-Q also quashed rumors of an impending merger with PML-N on Sunday.

    Instead, the party confirmed its intention to pursue seat adjustments with the Nawaz Sharif-led faction in specific constituencies.

    Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, PML-Q Punjab General Secretary, clarified the party’s position, asserting its commitment to maintaining an independent identity.

    Notably, PML-Q candidates are set to participate in the upcoming elections, carrying the party’s symbol – the tractor.

    Speculations about a potential merger were rife, with talks centering around seat allocations for Chaudhry Shujaat’s sons and Tariq Bashir Cheema, the party’s secretary-general.

    However, these speculations were dispelled by Chaudhry Shafay Hussain.

    The political landscape is witnessing increased activity, with PML-N actively seeking alliances.

    Last week, they announced a joint participation in the polls with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).

    A recent meeting between a PML-N delegation and MQM-P leadership in Karachi delved into discussions on electoral alliances and future strategies.

    While PML-N explores collaborative ventures, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has voiced discontent. Sharjeel Memon, a PPP leader, criticized PML-N’s historical ascent to power, alleging rigging.

    Despite this, Memon expressed confidence in PPP’s electoral prospects, anticipating a clean sweep in the upcoming elections.

    Simultaneously, PML-Q leader Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son, ex-MNA Hussain Elahi, critiqued PML-N’s economic policies.

    They credited the recent improvements in the national economy and currency to strict measures initiated by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir.

    The criticism of the PML-N by both the former PML-Q lawmakers and close family members of the party chief, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, has surfaced just when the leadership of both factions of the Pakistan Muslim League is hinting at making a seat adjustment in the election on Feb 8, 2024.

    Speaking to a gathering of party workers at his Nutt House in Gujrat, Wajahat said the masses were witness to the statement of PML-N leadership regarding being beggars and that wherever they went to seek financial assistance, the other side would consider them as beggars.

    Wajahat announced to kick off the election campaign of his son, Hussain Elahi, and two Punjab Assembly candidates of his party, Abdullah Yousaf Warraich and Khalid Asghar Ghural, asking his supporters to work for their victory.

    Sources have told Dawn that by criticizing the PML-N policies, the Wajahat camp has tried to attract the PTI vote bank with an anti-PML-N narrative as his traditional rival, Nawabzada family, has already been in the PML-N and the voters might not be easily won by the PML-Q in that constituency.

    They say Hussain Elahi would assess the ground position of his constituency for the future course of action.

    It’s pertinent to mention that both Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain and his son Hussain Elahi were in the PTI before the May 9 incidents when many of the party leaders had started quitting the party. The duo also quit the PTI and joined the PML-Q.