As the general elections loom less than two months away, political rallies were in full swing on Saturday, featuring PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari taking a dig at PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. Bilawal in a party convention on Saturday remarked that the “Raiwind’s prime minister” was attempting to become “selected for the fourth time.”
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Arif Alvi had previously agreed on February 8, 2024, as the election date. The ongoing rivalry between Nawaz-led PML-N and the PPP intensified, with the latter alleging a covert alliance between the former and the current caretaker setup.
Bilawal has consistently targeted Nawaz in recent weeks, advising him to focus on his traditional stronghold, Lahore, rather than venturing into other provinces. Last week, he urged Nawaz to contest the upcoming elections based on his own ideology and mandate, avoiding the support of the “administration.”
In a party convention in Dir, Nawaz once again found himself on Bilawal’s agenda. Bilawal addressed his party workers, stating, “You have suffered in both [cases] — the Zaman Park prime minister and the Raiwind PM, who has already been PM three times and is now attempting to be selected for a fourth time.”
He questioned the credibility of someone attempting to become prime minister for the fourth time after previous failures, emphasizing the people’s right to ask what could be achieved after multiple unsuccessful attempts.
Bilawal criticized Nawaz’s political history, highlighting past instances where he clashed with those who brought him to power, leading to consequences for the people and the country. He expressed skepticism about the prospect of Nawaz bringing any meaningful change, given the repetition of the same political patterns.
The PPP chairman noted that in the midst of a financial crisis, the country cannot afford a leader who would perpetuate outdated political styles. He called for a new approach to politics that prioritizes the nation and its issues, distancing from the past confrontations between Nawaz and his benefactors.
Bilawal emphasized that his party does not view PTI or PML-N as opponents, directing their fight against inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He criticized the current political landscape for neglecting the nation’s problems and accused the caretaker government of sending the wrong message with politically affiliated ministers.
In a direct challenge to Nawaz, Bilawal urged him to abandon the preference for being selected and focus on respecting the ballot. He challenged Nawaz to get elected once, promising acceptance from himself and the nation in that scenario.
