- Asserts authority to issue tickets for Bilawal in upcoming polls
- Shares admiration for former PM Shehbaz Sharif
- Reveals that PTI offered PPP six ministries to join govt
ISLAMABAD: Former president Asif Ali Zardari has expressed the belief that no single party will be able to secure a majority to form the government after the 2024 general elections.
He characterized his son, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, as “inexperienced.” Despite Bilawal’s extensive nationwide campaigning and calls for a new generation of leaders, Zardari emphasized the inevitability of alliances due to the challenge of securing 172 seats alone in the National Assembly.
He made these remarks while giving an interview to a private TV channel, which was telecast on Thursday night.
While Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has been critical of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), a former ally, Zardari supported the PML-N’s stance, advocating for a conducive environment and mutual respect among political parties.
Zardari acknowledged Bilawal’s talent but noted his lack of experience, stating that it takes time to gain political insight.
Zardari addressed Bilawal’s remarks urging older politicians to step aside, explaining that the new generation has a distinct mindset and the right to express itself. Despite political pressure, Zardari highlighted his commitment to avoiding revenge politics during his tenures.
Discussing the different mindsets within the PPP, Zardari clarified the roles of the PPP and Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), stating that he is the president of the PPPP, responsible for allocating election tickets.
He asserted his authority to issue tickets for Bilawal in the upcoming polls.
Regarding the prospect of forming a government, Zardari dismissed the likelihood of a single-party government and expressed confidence in the diversity of parties and individuals participating in the elections.
He shared his admiration for former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during their experience in the PDM-led coalition government.
“I was impressed with Shehbaz Sharif who would wake up early in the morning at 6pm and start working at 8am,” Zardari remarked.
Zardari also made revelations about the PTI allegedly offering the PPP six ministries to join the government and suggested that the PTI’s removal through a no-confidence motion in April 2022 was the correct decision.
The former president said he was told to leave the country as the Imran-led government wanted to form an alliance with a “minus-Zardari” PPP. “[The PPP] was offered six ministries in return for contesting elections with the PTI,” the PPP stalwart said.
“Pakistan was isolated in the world due to Imran Khan,” he said while accusing the PTI government of destroying the country’s economy and bilateral relations.
The PPP leader further said that Imran was planning to hold “RO elections” (a reference to the 2013 “rigged” elections) with the help of a military officer to remain in power till 2028.
He accused the PTI government of damaging the country’s economy and bilateral relations.
Responding to a question about whether PTI would be allowed to contest upcoming elections, the PPP leader asserted that Imran Khan-led party would partake in the electoral exercise.
Zardari’s statements provide insights into the complex dynamics and challenges anticipated in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for political alliances and the emergence of a new generation of leaders.
