As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming presidential election, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), made a strategic move by assuring support to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentarians of his father Asif Ali Zardari, the poised candidate for the presidency.
In return, the PPP aims to secure votes for Zardari from PML-N members, solidifying his position as the leading contender in the presidential race.
Zardari, the PPP Co-chairman, enjoyed widespread support across the ruling coalition, making him the clear favorite over his opponent, Mahmood Achakzai from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), who is backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The stage is set for a face-off between the two candidates in the presidential poll scheduled for tomorrow.
Addressing the PML-N-dominated Punjab Assembly, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari sought parliamentary support, emphasizing the benefits of aligning with his father. He assured the lawmakers that Zardari would extend the same care to them as he does within his own party. Bilawal, a former foreign minister, underscored the importance of the president’s role as a representative of the federal government.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reciprocated the gesture, expressing gratitude for Bilawal’s appeal and affirming PML-N’s commitment to vote for Zardari. She highlighted the unity displayed by the PML-N and PPP, traditionally political rivals, in putting aside differences for the country’s greater good.
The presidential election, slated for March 9, has garnered widespread support for Zardari from key coalition partners, including Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), National Party (NP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). Meanwhile, PTI-backed SIC and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen have thrown their support behind Achakzai.
The voting process, conducted by secret ballot, will involve members of the National Assembly, senators, and representatives from provincial assemblies.
