Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its recent overtures towards the military, rebuking the party for its contradictory stance on constitutional supremacy and political interference.
Addressing the National Assembly during a debate on his father’s parliamentary address, Bilawal condemned PTI’s pursuit of dialogue with the military establishment despite previously advocating for constitutional integrity and non-interference of the army in politics.
“Their actions contradict their rhetoric,” Bilawal remarked, highlighting PTI’s claims of upholding constitutional principles while simultaneously seeking talks with the military. He criticised PTI’s wavering commitment to democracy and constitutional rule, accusing the opposition of prioritising personal agendas over national interests.
In a scathing indictment of PTI’s leadership choices, Bilawal denounced the appointment of Ali Amin Gandapur as Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, likening it to previous controversial appointments within the party.
Referring to the opposition’s grievances, Bilawal urged them to engage constructively in parliamentary proceedings, particularly in addressing the country’s economic challenges instead of lamenting their individual predicaments.
Meanwhile, the PTI reiterated its call for reconciliation and dialogue, albeit with additional conditions. Zain Qureshi, a PTI leader, demanded the release of all individuals detained under politically motivated charges, including party chairman Imran Khan and his father.
Furthermore, Qureshi called for the establishment of a commission to investigate electoral irregularities and the May 9 incident, emphasising accountability for those implicated. Riaz Fatyana of PTI echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for a transparent agenda in dialogue proceedings and expeditious resolution of electoral disputes.
