PPP denied level playing field in past elections: Bilawal

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that his party was denied a level playing field in the past elections but was still able to form the government despite the injustice. 

Talking to media persons after the inauguration of a free diagnostic clinical laboratory of JDC Foundation at the Numaish intersection, the PPP chairman suggested that a Charter of Democracy should be signed between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and other political parties.

He said the political parties were at the liberty of adopting the narrative that suited them best but the charter should exist for defining their mutual relationship.

He hailed the announcement of the elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan and said that it would have been better had the ECP announced the date of general elections on its own without intervention by the Supreme Court.

“No matter whatever way was adopted, it has now been decided elections will be held on February 8,” said Bilawal.

He hoped that the PPP would emerge as the winning party after the upcoming general polls.

Bilawal demanded that a level playing field should be available to every contesting party in the upcoming elections.

He recalled that the PPP had saved its mandate and formed governments though it was denied a level playing field in the 1988 and 2008 general elections.

“If they (PTI) are facing problems in contesting the elections, we welcome them to join our ranks,” said Bilawal.

To a question, the PPP chairman said that no decision had so far been taken by his party for forming an electoral alliance with the PTI. “I am of the view that all political parties should become a signatory to the charter of democracy and if PTI also acknowledges the charter, it will be a good development,” he said.

Answering another question about the expulsion of illegal immigrants from the country, Bilawal said that no political party could lend support to any illegal activity. “But questions are being raised now because of the manner refugees are being treated,” he said.

He recalled that the PPP had always maintained an unequivocal stance on issues related to human rights. “The law should be implemented but at the same time human rights shouldn’t be violated,” he said.

Answering a question about the situation in Gaza, he said the masses from East to West are very vocal on this matter. He said the people in many countries, especially the youth, have been urging their governments to show unity with the oppressed Palestinians.

The genocide of the people of Palestine is being exposed on social media for the first time as the world community is under an obligation to stand up and stop this massacre, killing of children and violation of international laws.