As the political landscape intensifies in the lead-up to the February 8 general elections in Pakistan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) are engaged in a war of words. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who is also the PPP’s candidate for the prime ministerial position, accused PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif of using illicit means to return to power for the fourth time.
In an interview with foreign media, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari alleged that Nawaz Sharif was attempting to exert pressure on the administration to influence the election outcomes, characterizing it as an attempt to return to power through a backdoor. This accusation follows previous statements by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioning Nawaz’s reliance on unconventional means to secure the prime ministerial position.
Bilawal criticized the caretaker government and the administration, claiming bias in favor of Nawaz. He expressed difficulties in allying with PML-N, stating that the current PML-N no longer reflects the party that signed the Charter of Democracy (CoD), emphasizing a shift in mentality towards the Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI). Bilawal accused Nawaz of harboring dreams of becoming Amirul Momineen.
The Charter of Democracy, signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 2006, aimed at a joint struggle against dictatorship. Bilawal, however, expressed hope that the caretaker government, despite PML-N’s pressure, would not interfere in the upcoming polls. He remained optimistic about the PPP forming the next government after winning the elections.
Highlighting the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections, Bilawal stressed the need for a level playing field for all political parties to restore the credibility of the electoral process in Pakistan. The political tensions and accusations underscore the high-stakes nature of the upcoming elections and the complex dynamics between major political players in the country.
