KOT ADDU (Dunya News) – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari asserted on Saturday that he is the only politician looking towards the people, while his opponents are looking towards what he referred to as the 'khalai makhluq' [military establishment] to attain power.
Addressing a gathering in Kot Addu ahead of the general elections, Bilawal appealed to the people to cast their votes for the "arrow", PPP's electoral symbol, on Feb 8. "This arrow is the one that can block the way of the tiger [the electoral symbol of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz]. The arrow is the symbol that can thwart the entire conspiracy."
Expressing gratitude to the constituents for assembling despite the chilly weather, Bilawal sought their support for the electoral contest.
Bilawal acknowledged that the country was facing a severe economic crisis, with issues of unemployment, inflation, and poverty intensifying daily, while the threat of terrorism loomed once again. "We can successfully overcome all these challenges; let's unite and work together, with sincerity and dedication,” he asserted.
The PPP chief, addressing the constituents, highlighted that late former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari had represented them, as the PPP stood for the poor, labourers and farmers of the country. He contrasted this with other political groups, stating, “Whenever they come into power, they provide relief to the aristocracy and impose hardships on the poor.”
Bilawal mentioned that his party presented a 10-point charter for this election, despite opponents deeming it impracticable. He pledged to double salaries, build three million houses for the poor, grant women property rights, and provide 300 units of free electricity if the PPP was elected into power, affirming that he would fulfill his promises.
Bilawal stated that the PPP would expand the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), provide interest-free loans to poor women for starting their own businesses and issue "farmer cards" to benefit farmers instead of large landowners and feudal lords.
Bilawal also pledged to provide "labour cards" to labourers, ensuring that the hardworking labourers and workers of the country received their fair share. As a youth himself, he claimed to understand the struggles of the youth, announcing a revolutionary programme that includes issuing "youth cards" to provide employment opportunities for young people searching for jobs.
Bilawal also promised to ensure healthcare facilities were provided at the doorsteps of the people upon coming into power.
He said that the Lahore's constituency he was contesting election from also faced the issue of unavailability of clean diring water, and criticised Shehbaz Sharif, the former prime minister, stating, "Running the show with tricks won't solve the issues."