Lahore, Rana Farooq Saeed, the Acting President of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in Central Punjab, has accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of being solely responsible for the country’s current economic difficulties. He made these statements during a press conference, accompanied by Zulfiqar Ali Badr, Rana Jawad, Faiza Malik, and Neelam Jabbar.

According to Pakistan People’s Party, Saeed criticized PML-N for selling off vital national assets like cement, fertilizer, and sugar factories.Saeed appealed to the public to join the upcoming rally in support of Bhutto’s grandson scheduled for January 21. He highlighted the superior health facilities provided by the PPP in Sindh, contrasting them with the services available in other parts of the country. Saeed also commented on the pricing policies at Shaukat Khanum Hospital, founded by Imran Khan, noting the high costs now associated with treatment there.

In his address, Saeed further mentioned that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP chairman, is contesting the election from Lahore, in response to the party workers’ appeal. He contrasted this with Nawaz Sharif’s apparent reluctance to participate in the election. When asked about the political symbols, Saeed expressed his opinion that the bat symbol should not have been taken away from Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Additionally, Zulfikar Ali Badr, in charge of the election campaign for NA 127, announced a new development for PPP. He stated that Khawar Naheed Mughal, a candidate for the Provincial Assembly from NA 123, has withdrawn in favor of PPP, marking another success for the party. Badr also noted the increasing support for PPP, particularly among the youth, attributing this to Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership. He reminisced about PPP’s historical connection to Lahore, recalling the legacy of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Tandwala Yar, Asifa Bhutto Zardari, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s political landscape, addressed a women’s convention at Shahpur Rizvi in Tandwala Yar, highlighting the significance of women’s rights and economic independence. Her speech drew a direct connection to the principles of ‘People’s Economic Agreement’ advocated by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

According to Pakistan People’s Party, Asifa Bhutto Zardari began her address by paying tribute to her mother, the late Shaheed Ms. Benazir Bhutto, and her efforts in revolutionizing the role of women in Pakistan. She cited the establishment of Women Police Stations, the Lady Health Workers Program, and the First Women’s Bank as landmark achievements under Benazir Bhutto’s leadership.

Linking these historical initiatives to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s current economic vision, Asifa Bhutto Zardari emphasized policies aimed at enhancing women’s participation in the economy, including ensuring equal pay and promoting entrepreneurship through microfinance and skill development programs.

She underscored the importance of education and healthcare as foundational elements in the 10-point agreement for women’s empowerment. Bhutto Zardari stated that educated women play a crucial role in the development of their families and communities, reiterating the Pakistan People’s Party’s commitment to enhancing women’s access to these essential services.

Addressing the specific needs of rural women, Bhutto Zardari highlighted land rights, agrarian reform, and access to credit as key components of the party’s economic plan, empowering women in decision-making roles.

In her criticism of political opponents, Bhutto Zardari contrasted the PPP’s focus on uplifting broader segments of society, particularly women, against other parties’ emphasis on the wealthy few. She urged the audience to support local PPP candidates Zulfikar Ali Bachani, Syed Zia Abbas Shah Rizvi, and Imdad Patafi in upcoming elections to strengthen the party’s mandate.

Concluding her speech, Asifa Bhutto Zardari called for unity and support for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision for an equitable and prosperous Pakistan where women are at the forefront. She stressed the party’s commitment to building a Pakistan that offers equal opportunities for every woman, regardless of her background.