Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Saturday called out Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif for always ascending to power through “selection”.
Addressing a political gathering in Lower Dir, Bilawal admonished Nawaz for allegedly securing power three times through “selection” and accused him of attempting to employ the same strategy ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
“Mian sahib, you have come to power three times via ‘selection’. At least be ‘elected’ for your fourth tenure as prime minister this time,” remarked Bilawal, highlighting the contentious history of Nawaz’s ascension to power.
These remarks from Bilawal come amid escalating tensions between the PPP and the PML-N, former allies whose relationship has deteriorated, with the PPP accusing the PML-N of receiving preferential treatment while other parties are allegedly denied a level playing field in the run-up to the elections.
Bilawal urged Nawaz to engage in politics that upholds the sanctity of the vote, emphasizing that he and the people of Pakistan would only accept Nawaz as the country’s premier if he comes to power “via election” and not “selection.”
“If [Nawaz] comes through selection, then neither the public nor I will accept that result,” Bilawal warned, pledging to resist any ruler perceived as “selected.”
Criticizing Nawaz’s bid for a fourth term, Bilawal questioned the relevance of a leader who has failed three times seeking another opportunity to govern.
He also accused Nawaz of engaging in “revenge politics” during his previous tenures, particularly highlighting his involvement in the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) alliance formed against the PPP’s Benazir Bhutto-led government in 1988.
Bilawal sarcastically remarked on Nawaz’s ouster on three occasions, highlighting that even in his third term, he clashed with the “same people” who had previously extended favors to him.
The PPP leader questioned Nawaz’s call for a two-thirds majority to become prime minister again, hinting at a perceived sense of entitlement.
In a broader political context, Bilawal took a swipe at both Imran Khan and Nawaz, asserting that the country cannot afford a “player” (referring to Imran Khan) or a leader seeking a fourth term amid economic turmoil.
Calling for “new politics,” Bilawal cautioned that Nawaz, if elected again, would revert to his old ways. He continued his criticism against Imran Khan, alleging a significant emphasis on politics of revenge during the latter’s tenure.
