In a recent statement, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari raised concerns about the lack of a level-playing field for political parties in the lead-up to the upcoming general elections. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that not all political leaders have equal opportunities to contest these crucial elections.
Bilawal’s remarks were prompted by inquiries regarding the fairness of the electoral environment, particularly in light of the ineligibility of two prominent political figures, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. Both are currently unable to participate in the polls due to separate convictions in corruption cases.
Nawaz Sharif, who has been in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019, was disqualified for life in 2017 by the Supreme Court for failing to declare a receivable salary. He is expected to return to Pakistan in October this year to lead his party’s election campaign.
Imran Khan, on the other hand, has been incarcerated in Attock jail since his conviction in the Toshakhana case on August 5. He was found guilty of failing to properly declare gifts received while in office. Despite the Islamabad High Court overturning a lower court’s decision that would have allowed him to contest upcoming elections, Khan remains behind bars due to his judicial remand in the cipher case until September 13.
During a visit to the house of slain journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar in Sukkur, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his concerns about the absence of a level-playing field in the political arena. He emphasized that this issue was a significant objection on his part.
Bilawal also addressed the tragic murder of Jan Muhammad Mahar, stating that a joint investigation team had been established to probe the case. He offered condolences to the Mahar family and pledged support to them during this difficult time.
Taking a dig at former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was ousted through a no-confidence motion in April 2022, Bilawal alleged that terrorists from Afghanistan were allowed to enter Pakistan during Khan’s tenure. He questioned whether Khan and former spy chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed were aware that these militants would launch attacks against Pakistan’s Army once again. Bilawal reiterated the PPP’s commitment to combating terrorism and uniting the nation against terrorist activities, even as terror incidents appear to be on the rise in the country.
Furthermore, Bilawal highlighted the proliferation of American weapons left behind by Western forces in Afghanistan, expressing concern that these weapons had fallen into the hands of terrorists. He noted that American weapons had not only reached Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) but had also made their way into Pakistan’s Katcha (riverine) areas.
Regarding the high inflation and economic challenges facing Pakistan, Bilawal attributed these issues to the rising unemployment in the country, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address these pressing concerns.
