Ex-President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed strong confidence in his son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and his potential to become the Prime Minister in the forthcoming general elections.
The declaration follows the announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and President Arif Alvi, setting February 8, 2024, as the date for these elections, leading to intensified political engagement among the leading parties.”
In preparation for the elections, the PPP has intensified its rivalry with the PML-N, accusing Nawaz Sharif’s party of a covert alliance with the current interim government. The PPP also expressed openness to allying with the PTI, emphasizing the need for a fair electoral playing field. Zardari, in his statement, anticipated a victorious dawn on February 8 and promised to alleviate public hardships under PPP leadership.
Bilawal Bhutto and PPP’s Strong Stance
Zardari also acknowledged the party’s recent success in Karachi’s local government by-elections, highlighting the significance of victories in the city. He urged party workers to champion the legacy of Benazir Bhutto in the electoral campaign. Bilawal Bhutto, addressing the media, described the local election results as a precursor to the general elections, confidently stating that a united opposition could not defeat the PPP.
Addressing reports of a conversation between Zardari and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal labelled it as old news, focusing instead on the public’s role in determining the next prime minister. He hoped the new premier would represent a broader demographic, not limited to Lahore.
Meanwhile, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, having returned from a four-year self-exile, presided over a significant meeting in Lahore, marking a new phase in the party’s election campaign. The meeting, attended by key PML-N figures, focused on the nation’s current situation and the party’s strategic political moves ahead of the upcoming elections.
