Rejected PML-N’s offer of rotational sharing of prime ministership: Bilawal

THATTA: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday disclosed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz had offered him to be the prime minister for two years but he refused to take the offer.

Addressing party supporters in Thatta, where Bilawal delivered a passionate speech, he said: “The PML-N told him that they will retain the prime minister’s slot for the initial three years and he should take the seat for the next (last) two years of the coalition government, but he refused the offer.”

“We have decided that I will not nominate myself for the slot of prime minister. Pakistan is in turmoil, with fires raging in all four provinces. We need to extinguish these fires. We do not want any federal ministry or the prime minister’s chair. We only want to solve Pakistan’s problems,” he affirmed.

“We have been in coalition with Mian Sahib for over 18 months. The promises made to us regarding development projects were not fulfilled. I am not seeking ministries for myself; I am seeking work for the people. I was told to give them (PML-N) three years, and then you can become prime minister. I have rejected the idea of becoming prime minister under such circumstances,” he said.

Bilawal urged all Pakistanis to prioritize the country’s interests over personal gains and warned against attempts to divide society along sectarian lines. He vowed to thwart any such efforts and appealed for unity to save Pakistan from further turmoil.

He said: “For the past few months, the PPP has been actively campaigning throughout Pakistan. Our party’s caravans have traversed all four provinces, igniting the spirit of democracy.”

Expressing gratitude to the people for their support, Bilawal said, “Once again, we have proven that the PPP is the binding force (cahin) of all four provinces. This election wasn’t about my personal aspirations to sit on the (PM) chair in Islamabad. I fought this election for you, for my brothers. Pakistan is grappling with economic and political crises; society has been divided. Therefore, I contested this election so that there could be a politician who speaks about Pakistan’s issues.”

He highlighted the widespread poverty, inflation, and unemployment plaguing the nation, asserting, “All political parties should prioritize the interests of the people over personal gain.”

“Some politicians may be big in stature, but they do not think about the people. Their negligence is causing harm to Pakistan’s poor,” he added.

Reflecting on the contentious political environment, Bilawal said, “The current situation where all political parties are protesting, whether they won or lost, is alarming. In such an environment, how will Pakistan progress? How will we overcome the economic crisis?”

He stressed the need for fair elections and vowed to address grievances raised by PPP ticket holders. He asserted that the party would file complaints with relevant forums if their concerns were not addressed.

Bilawal promised to advocate for the rights of flood victims in Sindh and Balochistan, stating, “They are destitute, their homes are destroyed, they have suffered losses. If we are given the opportunity to vote for a Prime Minister, we will ensure justice for flood victims.”

He also mentioned the party’s electoral efforts in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting their commitment to serve the people.

Bilawal issued a stern warning, stating that if democracy is threatened, he will call his supporters to take to the streets to save it.

Drawing parallels to historical figures, Bhutto invoked the legacies of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, asserting that Pakistan’s strength lies in unity. He urged detractors to join forces in addressing grievances rather than resorting to baseless accusations.

“Promise me this: if democracy is endangered, I will call upon you,” declared Bhutto. “Just as my predecessors emerged during times of turmoil, we must stand together to safeguard Pakistan from harm. Those hurling accusations against us should join hands to resolve issues. Politicizing falsehoods only divides us further.”

“Let them specify which polling stations they’re alleging fraud at. Lodge written complaints with the election commission. Days after the elections, suddenly they remember fraud?” he said.

Refuting accusations with conviction, Bilawal criticized those who resort to deceit for political gain. “Some claim victory in Larkana, not me. They boast of turning defeat into triumph through fraud,” he stated.

In a daring move, Bhutto extended a challenge to the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal and Grand democratic Allaince, offering to contest against him in by-elections. “I’ll leave one seat vacant in each constituency for you to contest against me. Let’s see how you win. There’s a vast difference between holding rallies and winning elections,” he asserted.

On the one hand, he (Fazlur Rehman) calls himself Maulana. It is a joke to speak a blatant lie by calling yourself a Maulana. Maulana Sahib has the Form 45, but he does not talk about election fraud, he said.

Bilawal reaffirmed his commitment to democracy and said: “Asif Zardari will be our candidate for the presidency. We will save the federation, consider the concerns of all provinces, and govern with the people’s welfare at heart.”

He hinted to vote to the PML-N for the prime minister’s slot without taking ministries.