Former foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has voiced reservations about the recent verdict in the ‘un-Islamic’ marriage case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.
In an interview with a private channel on Sunday, Bilawal stated that supporting the verdict is challenging for him. Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were sentenced to seven years each in the unlawful nikah case.
Bilawal emphasised that he refrains from being part of how the media is reporting on this case. He expressed concerns that the court verdict might adversely affect past efforts to protect women’s rights.
Separately addressing an election rally in Hyderabad, Bilawal condemned a political party for engaging in “politics of hatred and division” in Hyderabad.
لائیو: پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی کا حیدرآباد شہر کے ٹاؤن حسین آباد کے شہید ذوالفقار علی بھٹو اسپورٹس کمپلکس گراؤنڈ میں انتخابی جلسہ عام https://t.co/weyFWeSYNU
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) February 4, 2024
Urging the audience to reject such politics with the power of their votes, he emphasised that the people should counter divisive narratives. Bilawal took a swipe at political opponents, stating that their origin and history are well-known, especially their involvement in divisive politics in the 90s.
Also read: PPP faces backlash amidst Karachi’s heavy rain woes
Addressing the crowd, Bilawal revealed his 10-point public economic agreement, pledging to double the income of Pakistan’s citizens if elected prime minister. He also promised interest-free loans to women, emphasising his commitment to improving the economic well-being of the people.
Taking a dig at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Bilawal accused them of prioritising their political ambitions over the welfare of the people. He pledged to provide a youth card to unemployed youth and ensure their support until they secure employment.
Thank you Hyderabad! The people will no longer allow the agents of old politics to divide them. The Pakistan Peoples Party is the only political party that stands for all Pakistanis, regardless of ethnicity, religion, caste, or belief. Stand with us and vote Teer on 8th February… pic.twitter.com/clUJcJwvGq
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) February 4, 2024
Additionally, he promised a university in every district, free and quality medical treatment facilities, and the redirection of subsidies from the elite to benefit women.
Bilawal urged the voters to reject divisive symbols and alleged affiliations with external elements, referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P). He encouraged the public to make an informed choice on the election day, emphasising that their vote is powerful and should not be wasted.
The PPP chairman urged masses to stamp the “arrow”, the electoral symbol of PPP, on February 8 to counter conspiracies and promote positive politics.