Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief and ex-Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has alleged that the country's democracy, poll, and constitution have been stalled “for the return of one person”.
The allegation came as a veiled reference to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) or PML-N leader Sharif is set to return to his homeland from Saudi Arabia on October 21.
Sharif, as per his party, is set to address a public gathering from Minar-i-Pakistan, the national monument where the Pakistan Resolution was adopted, upon his arrival, local media reported.
Addressing a public congregation on Wednesday, in the port city of Karachi, Bilawal stated: “The 16-month tenure of the previous government has shown that the country cannot be run from London."
He said it is imperative for everyone to be physically present among the people and be accountable to them.”
Sharif, in 2019, was allowed to leave for London during his seven-year prison term in the Al-Azizia corruption case on “medical grounds”. He had obtained a four-week bail from the Lahore High Court.
Sharif, in 2019, was allowed to leave for London during his seven-year prison term in the Al-Azizia corruption case on “medical grounds”. He had obtained a four-week bail from the Lahore High Court.
Later, the PML-N leader was declared a proclaimed offender in Al-Azizia and Avenfield graft cases due to his continuous absence from court proceedings.
About Sharif's return, Pakistan's daily Dawn cited Bilawal as saying: "It is better late than never.”
The PPP leader, who led the Pakistan foreign ministry in the outgoing government, also said that he would launch a nationwide poll campaign.
Its sole objective, he said, would be to advocate for an election date. Bilwal said the campaign would aim to let people "to decide who to vote for Pakistan’s Constitution".
The Election Commission of Pakistan, Bilawal urged, should promptly announce the election date.
On the possibility of polls-delay, the PPP leader said, it's “not a show of respect for the vote but rather a disrespect for it".
The Election Commission of Pakistan, Bilawal urged, should promptly announce the election date.
On the possibility of polls-delay, the PPP leader said, it's “not a show of respect for the vote but rather a disrespect for it".
Pakistan is presently headed by caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar.