ISLAMABAD: A senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) dismissed the “debate challenge” from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on Sunday.
Speaking on a private TV channel, the PML-N leader, Dar, asserted that the subject was not up for debate, emphasizing the lack of a match between Nawaz and Bilawal. Dar referred to Nawaz as a statesman and characterized the PPP chief as a “child.”
The exchange of verbal sparring between the former allies has intensified in recent weeks, with both parties vying for political dominance in Punjab, particularly Lahore, ahead of the upcoming polls on February 8. Bilawal, leading the PPP’s electoral campaign, has criticized Nawaz for engaging in “politics of revenge” and extended a debate invitation to him.
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif rebuffed the challenge, suggesting that Bilawal should have invited Nawaz to visit Sindh, where the PPP has been in power since 2008. In response, Bilawal invited the PML-N leader to visit Karachi, Khairpur District’s Tehsil Gambat, and Tharparkar to witness his party’s accomplishments.
Regarding former Foreign Minister’s comments about the finance ministerial position, Dar chose not to react, stating it would be inappropriate to engage at that level. He referred to Bilawal as “like my child” and refrained from commenting further, highlighting that Bilawal had previously referred to him as “Dar uncle” on the parliamentary floor.
Dar criticized the descent of political discourse to a despicable level, recalling the era when Bilawal’s mother, Benazir Bhutto, used to instruct him to greet Dar before going to his room. Dar also took a dig at Bilawal, pointing out his previous praise for Nawaz and desire to work under his experienced leadership during the PML-N-led Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, which ousted the Imran Khan-led government through a vote of no-confidence.
The ongoing war of words between the PPP and the PML-N is expected to escalate as both parties seek to attract supporters ahead of the upcoming general elections.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
