Lahore, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, while addressing a grand rally in Tandlianwala, Faisalabad, as part of the election campaign, asserted that the PPP is poised to form governments at both the federal level and in Punjab. He expressed his resolve amidst a fervent crowd, stating the party’s determination to withstand and overcome adversities.
According to Pakistan People’s Party, Zardari reiterated his commitment to the ethos of the party, founded on the legacies of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto. He conveyed a defiant message to the opposition, declaring that the PPP will not succumb to pressure or back down in the face of adversity. “We are contesting elections against all political forces,” he stated, emphasizing the enduring spirit of the Bhutto legacy in Punjab.
Chairman Zardari highlighted the current challenges of poverty, inflation, and unemployment in Pakistan. He reminisced about the eras of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto, recalling their profound impact on the lives of the poor, laborers, farmers, and students. He promised to establish a similar government in Lahore and Islamabad, vowing that a “Jayala” will become the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Zardari solicited public support to resurrect a government for the people, reminiscent of the Bhutto era. He emphasized that the PPP, unlike other political parties, is committed to alleviating poverty and unemployment rather than pursuing personal interests. He outlined the PPP’s manifesto, which includes the ideology of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto, along with a ten-point economic agenda.
Chairman Zardari called upon party workers to mobilize support at the grassroots level, advocating
for the PPP’s ten-point agenda which includes providing 300 units of free electricity, free education, and world-class healthcare facilities. He mentioned the PPP’s commitment to expanding the Benazir Income Support Programme and implementing various housing schemes for the poor, with a focus on empowering women.
In his speech, Zardari also highlighted plans to introduce a unique Kisan Card for farmers and a labor card to protect workers’ rights, emphasizing the PPP’s focus on supporting the underprivileged segments of society. He urged the youth to recognize the PPP as their only viable option for scholarships, training, and financial support.
Chairman Zardari underscored the PPP’s resolve to introduce public service politics, deviating from the politics of division and hatred. He expressed his desire to represent the people of Pakistan with the same dedication as Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto.
He concluded his speech by calling for unity and support for the PPP, stating that with the help of the people, the party will address the nation’s challenges and serve the people of Pakistan effectively.
Karachi, Aziz Fatima, President of the Pasban Democratic Party Women Wing and PS 129 candidate from North Nazimabad, has strongly advocated for the termination of K Electric’s monopoly in Karachi’s electricity distribution. She emphasized the need to introduce new distribution companies to foster competition and alleviate the public’s suffering due to K Electric’s operational issues.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, Aziz Fatima has argued that extending the contract with K Electric would only perpetuate its monopoly and continue to disadvantage consumers in Karachi. She accused K Electric of exploiting its dominant position, leading to inefficiencies and inflated charges for electricity consumers. Fatima pointed out the public’s frustration with the current electricity situation, suggesting that the monopoly has facilitated opportunistic behaviors by K Electric.
Fatima criticized public representatives for failing to protect the interests of citizens and stressed the importance of voting based on merit in the upcoming elections, rather than personal affections or animosities. She urged for an audit of K Electric, claiming that it would reveal numerous irregularities that should be penalized by the government and compensated to the people through subsidies.
Highlighting the role of the Sindh government, Fatima suggested that a sincere effort could have led to the establishment of a more efficient and cost-effective electricity system for Karachi. She also pointed out that the taxes and charges included in electricity bills are determined by government agencies, not the private companies themselves.
The statement from the Pasban Democratic Party reflects growing concerns over K Electric’s control over electricity distribution and generation in Karachi, a city with a population of 40 million. Fatima’s call for action indicates a strong public desire for reform in the electricity sector, advocating for more competition and government accountability to prevent further descent into anarchy and unrest.
Rawalpindi, In a solemn commemoration of the sacrifices made during the 1985 Shia agitation, the Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya (TNFJ) observed “Husseini Martyrs’ Day” across Pakistan. The day was marked with tributes to martyrs who laid down their lives for Shia demands, including Syed Ashraf Ali Rizvi and Syed Safdar Ali Naqvi.
According to Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, the commemorations took place in various regions including the federal capital Islamabad, all provinces, and Azad Kashmir. Events included Quran recitation, gatherings, and mourning in mosques and imambargahs of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and surrounding areas. During these gatherings, preachers paid homage to the martyrs, emphasizing their significant role in the historical Shia movement.
At the main gathering in Jamia Masjid Ahle-e-Bayt Wah Cantt, TNFJ chief Allama Agha Syed Hussain Muqdisi honored the martyrs, stating that their sacrifices were pivotal in achieving the Junejo Mousavi Agreement on May 21, 1985. This agreement was crucial for the protection of Fiqh Jafaria rights and the mourning traditions for the martyred Imam (a.s.). Allama Muqdisi reinforced the commitment to Pakistan’s safety, stability, and security, asserting that sacrifices would be made without hesitation to protect the nation’s ideology and rights.
The event also addressed the ongoing issues of terrorism and the challenges faced due to non-implementation of the National Action Plan and the presence of banned organizations. Allama Muqdisi called for the government to honor sacrifices made in operations Zarb-i-Azb and Radal-Fasaad by fully implementing the action plan.
Chaudhry Mushtaq Hussain, speaking at the martyr’s grave, reflected on the success of the TNFJ agitation for Shia demands, which led to significant political changes. He emphasized the policy of victimhood as a driving force behind the movement’s success and TNFJ’s continued dedication to preventing Pakistan from becoming a sectarian state.
Allama Syed Mohsin Ali Hamdani expressed admiration for the martyrs like Ashraf Ali Rizvi and Safdar Ali Naqvi, who sacrificed their lives for the protection of Shia rights and beliefs. He affirmed the participants’ commitment to continue the struggle for the goals of mourning and mourning.
The observance of Husseini Martyrs’ Day across the country, including major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, and Bagh, signifies a unified pledge among the Shia community to continue striving for their holy and pure goals, honoring the legacy of their martyrs.