ISLAMABAD: Though PMLN supremo Nawaz Sharif appears a strong candidate to be prime minister for the fourth attempt in the upcoming elections, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari also hinted at throwing his hat in the ring for the coveted position of prime minister.
In an interview with Aaj TV channel, Zardari mentioned the possibility of him, Bilawal, and Khursheed Shah as potential candidates for prime ministership, without disclosing PPP’s official nominee for the top role.
All political parties are preparing for the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, amid concerns about the current security situation casting doubts on the feasibility of holding these elections.
Zardari claimed he facilitated Shehbaz Sharif’s premiership by rallying the necessary support to secure his appointment as the country’s chief executive.
Earlier, Zardari had advocated for Bilawal to become the youngest prime minister of the country, urging the public to support his leadership during a public gathering in Quetta commemorating the party’s 56th foundation day.
Addressing the prospect of a presidential system, Zardari asserted that the doors for such a system were permanently closed, emphasizing its inapplicability in Pakistan.
Zardari accused Khan of detrimentally impacting the country and labeled him as “ignorant,” suggesting Khan’s future is tied to his actions.
Zardari alleged Khan came to power through a manipulated scheme, pointing fingers at unnamed actors and a mindset that, according to him, no longer persists.
Regarding potential collaboration with PTI, Zardari dismissed the possibility, highlighting logistical challenges for PTI in Nawabshah, where PPP has a significant presence.
Discussing economic woes, Zardari emphasized the necessity for a 10-year economic strategy to steer the country toward stability, irrespective of which government assumes power.
Furthermore, Zardari expressed a facetious “congratulations” to the Chief Justice of Pakistan as the Supreme Court prepares to reexamine the controversial death sentence of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, founder of PPP, through an 11-year-old presidential reference.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
