As the February 8 general elections approach, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has intensified his criticism of political rivals, particularly targeting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
In response, PML-N leaders Uzma Bukhari and Marriyum Aurangzeb have compared Bilawal to Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
During his campaign rallies, Bilawal has directed sharp remarks towards PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, accusing him of engaging in “habitual revenge politics.” In a recent rally in Chiniot, Bilawal expressed concern that Nawaz Sharif, if elected for the fourth time as prime minister, would pursue revenge politics to an unprecedented extent.
In counterarguments, Uzma Bukhari defended Nawaz Sharif against what she deemed a false perception of political vengeance. She drew parallels between Bilawal’s actions and those of Imran Khan, suggesting that Bilawal is emulating the PTI founder. While speaking on a program, Bukhari remarked that her party has chosen not to respond to Bilawal’s criticisms as a matter of policy, dismissing the notion that speaking in the style of PTI will garner votes for the PPP.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, PML-N Information Secretary, also criticized Bilawal for his aggressive speeches leading up to the elections. Aurangzeb advised Bilawal to maintain a civil tone and focus on highlighting his party’s performance. She questioned Bilawal’s knowledge of development projects in Punjab, suggesting that he is unfamiliar with key initiatives in the region.
In response to Bilawal’s criticism of the PDM coalition government’s alleged failures, Aurangzeb pointed out that Bilawal was a participant in the decisions made by the coalition.
Meanwhile, PPP politician Palwasha Khan asserted that the PML-N is losing its foothold in Punjab, emphasizing that the same province had once supported PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his daughter Benazir Bhutto. Palwasha accused the PML-N of depleting Punjab’s wealth and investing it in properties in England.
