Karachi, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, outlined an ambitious plan for Pakistan’s future in a press conference held today in Sukkur. He emphasized the PPP’s commitment to addressing poverty, unemployment, and inflation, and detailed the party’s 10-point election manifesto, which includes significant economic and social reforms.
According to Pakistan People’s Party, Chairman Bhutto Zardari expressed his vision for the incoming PPP government, which includes transferring Rs 1500 billion directly to the farmers and laborers of the country, a shift from the current practice where mill owners predominantly receive these funds as subsidies. He affirmed that the “Awami Hukoomat” (People’s Government) would start working on its agenda for alleviating inflation, unemployment, and poverty from its first day in office.
The PPP chairman demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to remove individuals loyal to the PML-N from government positions and called on the PTI leadership to acknowledge and apologize for their mistakes. Bhutto Zardari highlighted the significant public support for PPP, as demonstrated in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on December 27, and predicted a strong showing in the elections scheduled for February 8.
Bhutto Zardari detailed the PPP’s manifesto, introduced on the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, focusing on combating Pakistan’s major challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inflation. He emphasized the party’s intentions to expand the successful education, health, and social security initiatives implemented in Sindh to the entire country. The manifesto also includes doubling salaries over a five-year term, establishing Green Energy Parks at the district level, and providing solar power to the poorest citizens through a ‘Carbon Credit Program.’
He outlined plans to construct 3 million houses for the homeless, expand the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) to its full potential, and introduce Kissan Card and Benazir Mazdoor Card to financially support the working class. Additionally, Bhutto Zardari reaffirmed the PPP’s commitment to women’s empowerment, youth engagement through the establishment of Youth Centers and Youth Cards, and restoring the ‘Bhook Mitao’ (End Hunger) program to its original form.
Addressing media queries, Bhutto Zardari condemned tactics of obstructing nomination papers in certain regions and warned against elite propaganda against the PPP manifesto. He reiterated his commitment to closing 17 ministries to reallocate funds to the poor and highlighted the PPP’s focus on comprehensive development, including healthcare and housing, contrasting it with other parties’ limited initiatives.
Bhutto Zardari also announced his decision to contest the elections from Lahore, expressing confidence in winning support from the city’s electorate. He emphasized the PPP’s stance against revenge politics, citing the arrest of Shah Mehmood Quresh as an example, and urged PTI to reflect on its actions.
Lastly, the PPP chairman condemned the failure to arrest the murderers of journalist Shaheed Jan Mohammad Mahar and demanded justice for the affected family. The press conference was also attended by former Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, senior leader Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Sardar Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar, and other PPP leaders.