Tag: Bilawal Bhutto

  • PPP is all set to conquer Punjab and Sindh

    PPP is all set to conquer Punjab and Sindh

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari formally initiated his election campaign from NA-127 Lahore on Thursday.

    The party aims to leverage the perceived political vacuum created by the establishment in Pakistan.

    With the main rival, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), still deliberating on ticket allocations for Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), PPP leaders have been actively canvassing for votes in their respective constituencies.

    According to the party’s central Punjab chief, a majority of aspiring candidates have already received confirmation regarding ticket allocations, making the official announcement a mere formality.

    PPP has unveiled its 10-point agenda as part of its manifesto, with the official manifesto set to be revealed in the coming days, as announced by the party’s information secretary.

    In contrast, PML-N, despite forming a manifesto committee over a month ago, has not made any public announcements regarding its plans.

    The recent introduction of an online portal by PML-N to gather public input on its manifesto suggests that the process is not in its advanced stages.

    Bilawal, who will contest elections from three constituencies, including NA-127 Lahore and the party stronghold Larkana, visited his election office at Green Town in Lahore to formally launch the campaign.

    During his election campaign trail, he would address rallies in Faisalabad (Jan 11), Layah (Jan 12), Bahawalpur (Jan 13), Balochistan’s Naseerabad (Jan 14), Sindh’s Larkana (Jan 15), Qambar Shahdadkot (Jan 16) Badin and Sanghar (Jan 17), Nowshero Feroz and Dadu (Jan 18), Rahim Yar Khan (Jan 19) Kot Daud (Jan 20), Lahore (Jan 21), Chiniot (Jan 23), Sarghoda (Jan 24), Lala Musa (Jan 25) Multan (Jan 26), Peshawar (Jan 27) , Rawalpindi (Jan 28), Kurram (Jan 29), DI Khan (Jan 30), Malakand (Jan 31), Khuzdar (Feb 1), Kashmor and Shikarpur (Feb 2) Mirpurkhas (Feb 3), Hyderabad (Jan 4) and his second last rally as per schedule would be in Karachi (Jan 5).

    The decision to contest from Lahore is seen as a strategic move, countering PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif’s decision to contest from Karachi NA-242.

    The PPP aims to secure NA-127 Lahore, building on the momentum gained from the December 2021 by-election results, where the party’s candidate secured significant votes. The move is also seen as an effort to mitigate the risk of a complete loss for the party in Punjab.

    The party sees the absence of PTI from the political arena as a golden opportunity to capitalize on anti-PML-N votes. The PML-N is expected to issue the NA-127 ticket to its Deputy General Secretary Ata Tarar.

    Meanwhile, Mayor Murtaza Wahab asserted that the people of Karachi demonstrated their support for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the local government elections held on January 15, 2023, citing the party’s perceived capability to address the city’s issues.

    The mayor expressed these sentiments during the ‘Meeting the Editors’ program organized by the Council of Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Thursday.

    “We worked for the resolution of the issues of the people of Karachi with sincerity. The development work will continue. People think that the next government will be of the PPP as they see Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a viable leader,” the mayor said.

    Wahab attributed the success of the Jamaat-e-Islami in the local government elections to the boycott by the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

  • ‘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 Bhutto not contesting elections from PPP stronghold Lyari

    Bilawal Bhutto not contesting elections from PPP stronghold Lyari

    The chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, will not contest the upcoming election from Lyari, the party’s stronghold in Karachi, The News has reported on Tuesday.

    However, the former federal minister is contesting election from NA-128 (Lahore-XII), NA-194 (Larkana-I), and NA-196 (Qambar Shahdadkot-I). Bilawal has submitted nomination papers for these constituencies.

    According to some political analysts, the PPP has lost interest in the Lyari constituency after the defeat by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the 2018 elections, speculating that it has failed to regain the confidence needed to reclaim the seat in the polls set to take place on February 8 next year.

    However, PPP’s Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi said that his party is in a good position in Lyari. He also mentioned the results of the recent local body elections in the same constituency, in which the PPP won the majority of seats.

    Mehdi predicted that PPP will not only win in Lyari but from other areas of city, adding that loyal candidates will be given tickets after the completion of the scrutiny process.

    Journalist Sameer Mandhro has claimed that after defeat in the 2018 polls, the PPP is not confident enough to win the seat from Lyari NA-239 (Karachi South-I) constituency.

  • 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”.

  • PPP doesn’t believe in political adjustments, says Nayyar Bokhari

    PPP doesn’t believe in political adjustments, says Nayyar Bokhari

    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said that it is dedicated to the welfare of the people rather than engaging in political or electoral accommodations, stated Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Secretary General of the party.

    Bokhari asserted that the assurance of national prosperity and the prerequisite for national development is rooted in economic stability and political stability, as per The News.

    “For the sake of the state and democracy, the party that gives the charter of democracy will give the charter of economy to ensure prosperity, development and employment for the people of Pakistan,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
    Bokhari expressed confidence in the PPP’s success, emphasizing their commitment to a manifesto centered around national development, prosperity, and performance.

    “As in the past, in 2024, workers, farmers and women will also bring unprecedented plans for prosperity,” he said.
    The senior politician said the leaders and followers of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto are expressing full solidarity with the candidates of the PPP.

    Bokhari emphasized that the economic stability would be fostered through the supremacy of the Constitution, ensuring equality and equal rights within a democratic system.

  • Zardari stops party leaders from forming alliance with PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    Zardari stops party leaders from forming alliance with PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari met PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) leaders on Sunday to discuss the upcoming general elections and political alliances with like-minded parties.

    During the huddle, the former president also directed the PPP leaders to not form an alliance with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the forthcoming polls on February 8 next year.

    Asif Zardari said that local leaders of PPP can form alliances with any other political party except the PTI in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    The former president stayed at the Governor House, while KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali met him as well.

    Governor Ghulam Ali and Mayor Peshawar Zubair Ali gave a traditional shawl to a PPP co-chairperson as a gift.

    Meanwhile, PPP’s senior leaders also ruled out an election alliance with the PTI in KP. “We never brought under discussion alliance with PTI in our meeting with party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday,” said PPP leader and former MPA Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha.

    The head of the PPP women’s wing, Faryal Talpur, also attended the PPP KP parliamentary board meeting.

    Former Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, former deputy speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Faisal Karim Kundi, Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha, and Rubina Khalid also attended the huddle.

    On the other hand, another PPP leader, Ziaullah Afridi, said that the former president didn’t visit KP. He claimed that he invited Zardari to his son’s wedding, and the former president just accepted it.

  • PPP’s Sardar Latif Khosa joins PTI

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) aggrieved leader Sardar Latif Khosa has officially joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday “on the wish” of former prime minister and founder PTI Imran Khan.

    “I have made the decision not only in the interest of the country and democracy, but also to raise my voice vigorously for the truth,” he said.

    Sardar Khosa announced during a press conference in Lahore that he is joining PTI, expressing hope that the politics of hatred would end.

    Khosa also said that a country’s constitution is supreme, adding that it has all the characteristics of a welfare state.

    “The motherland can become prosperous if we follow the Constitution. The Constitution has a solution for everything if it is implemented in its true spirit,” he said.

    He also mentioned that a barrister (Allama Muhammad Iqbal) came up with the idea of Pakistan, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah completed it.

    “I have dedicated my services to PTI. I am free to join a party of my choosing,” Khosa said, adding that he would not talk about what he lost or gained in the PPP.

  • Bilawal gives interesting answer to question about marriage

    Bilawal gives interesting answer to question about marriage

    In an informal conversation with journalists in Peshawar, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was asked about marriage, prompting him to give an interesting answer.

    Talking to senior journalists in Peshawar, the former Foreign Minister was asked when he was getting married. “I have to get married, or you? What is your problem? Do you have a girl in your sights that you are asking about marriage,” Bilalwal replied. .

    He said that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa wrote in the decision that the date of the election is a line in stone, and we have faith in his word.

    The PPP Chairman Bilalwal, also stated that his party is trying to reduce the fever of hate in the political charged climate, adding that unfortunately, some parties are still involved in politics of hatred.

  • Zardari accuses Jemima of paying UK bloggers to support Khan

    Zardari accuses Jemima of paying UK bloggers to support Khan

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has accused Jemima Goldsmith, the ex-wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, of paying vloggers while sitting abroad.

    In an interview on Aaj News with Asma Shirazi, the former president stated that a lobby with “multiple interests” has been funding and backing vloggers.

    The former president further added that it was a conspiracy to bring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ex-Chairman Imran Khan into power, adding that some people wanted to extend his rule until 2035.

    “He [Khan] would have sold Pakistan, and the country would have defaulted if I had not ousted that person… Sometimes a puppet does not know what its handler is doing to it.”

    Asif Ali Zardari also said that “I can be a candidate for prime ministership and Bilawal too. Even Khursheed Shah can be the candidate.”

    On the other hand, PTI supporters are showing support to Jemima on X (previously Twitter), with #StayStrongJemimaKhan trending on the platform.

  • Supreme Court approves live telecast of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference case

    Supreme Court approves live telecast of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference case

    The Supreme Court (SC) has approved a live telecast of a 12-year-old presidential reference regarding the contentious death sentence of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

    On Monday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari requested live broadcast of the hearing of the Zulfikar Ali Bhutto reference.

    The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa is heading a nine-member, larger SC bench that is going to hear the 12-year-old presidential reference regarding the controversial death sentence awarded to the former prime minister.

    The decision to fix the case was made under Section 2(1) of the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, by a three-member committee comprising CJP Isa, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

    Last week, the SC appointed a panel of two judges, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, to decide on the issue of the live broadcasting of 12-year-old presidential reference after former president Asif Ali Zardari the approached SC in 2011 to revisit the trial of the former prime minister.

    Previously, an 11-member apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry conducted five hearings on the presidential reference. The last hearing in the said case was on November 11, 2022.