PPP chief says last-minute symbol snatching benefitted ‘a dead political party’, reserved seats distributed as ‘candy’
By Saima Baloch
ISLAMABAD: In a passionate address to the National Assembly on Friday, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the judiciary for exacerbating the current crisis over reserved seats, accusing it of transforming a minor issue into a significant constitutional crisis. Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks were particularly pointed regarding the judicial handling of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s symbol dispute, which he claimed had unduly benefited PTI.
Speaking on the floor of the Assembly, Bhutto-Zardari condemned the judiciary’s actions, stating, “In Pakistan, a storm in a teacup is being transformed into a full-blown constitutional crisis.” He criticized the judiciary for its decisions on PTI both before and after the general elections, labeling the seat distribution as being handled like “candy” and attributing the issue directly to judicial interference.
Bhutto-Zardari suggested that the judiciary’s recent rulings, including the denial of PTI’s election symbol, had inadvertently mobilized the party and intensified political tensions. He urged a return to political discourse and unity, emphasizing that the current crisis is a result of ongoing judicial interference in legislative matters. He warned that without adherence to constitutional and democratic norms, the efforts behind the creation of Islamabad and the presence of lawmakers could be in vain. Bhutto-Zardari also expressed regret over the inability to address pressing national issues such as inflation and security, criticizing the political climate for being marred by divisive rhetoric and inefficacy.
Drawing parallels with the situation in Bangladesh, where political protests have led to significant upheaval, Bhutto-Zardari highlighted the need for effective governance and resolution of public grievances. He suggested that Pakistan could learn from these events and focus on addressing the real issues affecting its citizens. The PPP chairman also took a moment to congratulate Arshad Nadeem for his historic gold medal win at the Paris Olympics, praising him as an inspiration for Pakistani youth. Bhutto-Zardari called for a unified effort to support young talent across the country, advocating for an endowment fund to be established to support future athletes.
In his concluding remarks, Bhutto-Zardari stressed the importance of overcoming political infighting and working towards national unity. He expressed disappointment over the ongoing polarization and called for a collective effort to harness the country’s resources and talents for its development. As Pakistan grapples with political and institutional challenges, Bhutto-Zardari’s speech underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects judicial independence while addressing the broader implications of its decisions on national stability and progress.
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