ISLAMABAD: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, in a news conference in Islamabad following the Central Executive Committee’s session on Tuesday, declared a significant decision He stated that he would withdraw his candidacy for the prime minister’s position, citing the lack of mandate for the PPP to form the federal government.
“The PPP lacks the mandate to form the federal government, so I won’t pursue the candidacy for the prime minister of Pakistan,” stated the 35-year-old politician, who contended for the country’s top position in the 2024 general election.
Bilawal highlighted that both the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-N hold more seats than his party in the National Assembly (NA). Moreover, he emphasized that since PTI has declined any dialogue with the PPP, the prospect of a PTI or independents-led government is non-existent.
It’s noteworthy that PTI founder Imran Khan dismissed the possibility of forming a coalition government with PPP, PML-N, or Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
Bilawal mentioned that only PML-N extended an invitation to PPP for a coalition government.
Given the PPP’s inability to form the government at the Centre, Bilawal stated the party’s disinterest in federal ministries.
“PPP won’t participate in a government akin to PDM II. We aim to prevent chaos and perpetual crises in the country,” he emphasized, ruling out the perception of re-election.
Instead of joining PML-N’s government, Bilawal stated his party’s intention to pursue significant roles like Senate chairman and NA speaker, asserting their right to seek positions in constitutional posts.
Regarding supporting the rival party’s candidate for the prime ministerial position, Bilawal clarified that PPP’s decision aimed to ensure political stability in the country.
Furthermore, the PTI claimed to collaborate with Majlis-e-Wahdat-Muslimeen (MWM) to establish governments in Centre and Punjab, following directives from its founder Imran Khan.
Addressing media, PTI spokesperson Raoof Hasan disclosed the party’s strategy to form a coalition with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) over reserved seats.
Bilawal expressed PPP’s grievances regarding the recent general elections, indicating the formation of a committee to address reservations through engagement with other political parties.
“We urge the government formation process to proceed,” Bilawal asserted.
While acknowledging that withdrawing from the prime ministerial candidacy might not be favorable personally, Bilawal stressed it as an act of patriotism.
“If the people had given me the mandate, I would have pursued the PM’s position,” he remarked.
Bilawal cautioned against a return to “old politics” if PML-N’s candidate engages in it.
He called upon all political parties to prioritize Pakistan’s interests over their own.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
