Bilawal declares war against Taliban at start of political career
Accepting that the path he has chosen was full of dangers, Bilawal, in an obvious reference to the tombs of his mother and grandfather Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, said his destiny was “martyrdom and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.”
Besides criticizing his political rivals specially the government’s policy of negotiating with the TTP militants, he tried to reduce prevailing despair in traditional workers and
jiyalas of the PPP.
On behalf of his party, he suggested very strict conditions for dialogue, if any, with proscribed Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They include surrendering arms, blood money for victims of terrorist attacks and respect for minorities among others.
Bilawal blamed the ‘establishment’ for his party’s defeat in the May 11 general elections by conspiring against it. However, he said that his party would support the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government against any conspiracy to derail democracy in Pakistan.
Lauding his father for his efforts in first ever democratic transition of power in Pakistan, he said Asif Ali Zardari did what everyone thought was impossible.
With a touch of ZAB’s style and enunciation of Benazir, the PPP patron-in-chief eloquently used Urdu in his speech to the surprise of many. He used political chants and slogans along with poetry throughout the speech.
“PPP is not a party of any landlord, industrialist, player or a mullah but it’s People’s Party.”
Ruling out the notion that the PPP has changed, he said traditions do not change. “People’s Party is passion….its zeal and a tradition,” he added.
Assailing ideology of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI), Bilawal said the complicated issue of terrorism and extremism was not going to get resolved through sit-ins and long marches.
“It’s not kids’ game of cricket which can be resolved through a magic bat,” he said in an obvious reference to Imran Khan.
“Tsunami cannot be brought by pouring water in four lotas.”
Bilawal rejected Imran Khan's perception of a ‘link’ between prevailing terrorism and drone strikes. He said Pakistan was a victim of terrorism before drone campaign started and that terrorist attacks will continue even if the US drone strikes end.
“Buzdil (coward) Khan has stopped Nato supplies to mourn Hakimullah Mehsud’s death.”
He said it will take several generations to resolve the issue of terrorism from the country. “Friends of terrorists are traitors,” he chanted.
“Only by eradicating terrorism from society, Pakistan can become prosperous and peaceful,” he said, adding that People’s Party was standing in front of terrorists and blocking their way.
We had elections in 2002, then 2008 and then 2013. Which elections you are referring to?
