PPP encourages Voters to Choose the ‘Arrow’ Symbol to Halt PML-N Fourth Term

Rawalpindi – A day after PML-N presented its election campaign at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, young PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrived in the garrison city to address an election gathering at the same venue. He pledged to ‘bury politics of hate and division’ and proposed the establishment of a ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ if his party secured victory.

In Hub, an industrial town in Balochistan, his father Asif Ali Zardari spoke at a gathering, stating that only political forces, through democratic practices, could resolve the issues faced by Pakistan.

Addressing the audience at Liaquat Bagh, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed hope that the people, including PTI supporters, would make a ‘wise’ decision by choosing the ‘arrow’ (PPP electoral symbol) on Feb 8.

They (PTI supporters) must understand that Imran Khan is no longer a candidate in the elections, and he will not become the prime minister under any circumstances. Therefore, rather than wasting votes on independent candidates, people should make a wise choice and opt for the ‘arrow’ if they do not wish to grant a fourth term to Nawaz Sharif,” he stated.

Mr. Bhutto-Zardari asserted that the PTI office-bearers were ‘planted,’ and the former ruling party failed to secure its electoral symbol due to their influence. “The majority of the country does not want to see this person [Nawaz] become the Prime Minister for the fourth time. The people are unwilling to accept him as their PM at all,” he remarked.

He highlighted that society was plagued by the politics of hatred and division, and the PPP was the only party dedicated to burying it forever. “The PPP is committed to establishing a ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ to help unify the country,” he declared.

On the issue of terrorism, the PPP leader, standing in the city where his grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and mother Benazir Bhutto were “martyred,” stated, “I have come to this city once again because the country is in danger. We are facing both an economic crisis and a societal crisis.”

He emphasized the need to address terrorism promptly. “The time has come for us to decide that there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Taliban, and we should combat terrorism in all forms,” he urged.

In reference to the PML-N, Mr. Bhutto-Zardari criticized a political party for adopting an attitude contrary to the commitments made after signing the ‘Charter of Democracy.’ “That same party is not staying true to its slogan of ‘Vote Ko Izzat Do.’ It aims to divide the people by encouraging the politics of hate, attempting to misguide them.”

At a PPP rally in Hub, PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari stated that only “genuine political parties and leadership” could resolve the country issues. He pledged that the Pakistan Peoples Party would ensure the province people receive their due share in national resources and dignity, as it did during its last government.

He stated that all the problems facing the country could be resolved through democracy, emphasizing, “What can be achieved with democracy cannot be attained through war.” Despite facing severe injustices, he highlighted that the PPP never advocated for taking up arms.

While acknowledging discussions about street protests, rallies, and the global fight for democracy, including in Pakistan, Mr. Zardari clarified that the PPP did not endorse violent means. He mentioned that, although there is still no perfect democracy in the country, it is gradually strengthening.

Mr. Zardari highlighted his tenure’s achievements, such as the introduction of the Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan Package in the province. He also pointed out the unanimous NFC Award introduced during the PPP government, noting that it led to an increase in Balochistan’s budget.