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Thursday, March 14, 2024

Fiery speech in Hyderabad cannot hide Bilawal’s undelivered mojo

News Analysis |

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari delivered a fiery and charged speech to mark the 10th anniversary of the Karsaz blasts. While addressing a rally in Hyderabad, Bilawal made stinging attacks against his political opponents and the establishment.

He had chosen the script wisely to make calculated attacks on his rivals. He lamented the PML-N for passing the laws to protect individuals, referring to the recent legislation passed by the Senate.

High pitch and hallow promises may not be able to convince the masses now. Performances can, but it is nowhere to be seen in Sindh to give accolades to Bilalwals claims

Pakistan People Parties (PPP’s) co-chairman attacked the ruling party for running a corrupt and unfair system which exploits the poor. The ability and performance of the PPP in its last tenure to tackle poverty was appalling, yet he declared that the party (PPP) is instrumental in its struggle against the corrupt system.

Read more: Bilawal warns Nawaz of dire consequences if “four demands” not met

PPP chief said that PPP has historically faced acute challenges against the dictators. He revisited the efforts of his grandfather against the mighty General Ayub Khan and General Zia ul Haq. One wonders why he doesn’t give fascinating and impressive examples of his father’s tenure. Why is it that fictional and real failure of Zardari government still led it to survive five-years? PPP credits itself for taking logical decisions to dismiss the threats from the establishment. In reality, 5-year long tenure proved yet another eye opener for the people previously adoring PPP.

Recalling, the past, he stated,

“After the death of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zia thought the PPP was no more. But how could the daughter abandon her people when her father had not?”

There is no doubt that Benazir Bhutto’s return and subsequent sacrifices depict party’s absolute commitment to this land. But, once, in power, did the party honor the sacrifices by reducing the disparity between the rich and poor? Why did their economic policies and agendas fail to increase the living standards of people in the country? What about the interior Sindh? Did party ever stick to its own agenda? Even, in today’s Sindh, dreams of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto live on, but despite being given so many chances, efficient execution of these ideas remain a dream too far.

He inquired about the two billion rupees that were promised from Thar. Referring to the different completed sections of the motorways, Bilawal stated that, the highways built in Sindh are already ruined

Bilawal in his attempt to gain limelight triggered a popular rhetoric of conspiracy against the democratic system. His attack on the military may not have any substantial grounds, but it is sellable in the current political scenario. With PML-N government struggling to survive with it continues brushes with unnecessary controversies. And, Army’s interventions into country’s economic position may have sparked a debate on its domain.

Read more: Bilawal finally sets out on his ‘promised journey’ to eliminate the…

One can question its ability to overshadow and undermine the reasonably good work of the government. Moreover, the exchange of argument and war of words may reflect a hidden agenda. But, Army has categorically denied any underground meddling into affairs of the democratic government. In this context, bringing in Army and calming a conspiracy against the civilian rule is the grossly exaggerated statement. It can be junior Bhuttos wish but not reality.

One can question its ability to overshadow and undermine the reasonably good work of the government. Moreover, the exchange of argument and war of words may reflect a hidden agenda

Continuing his attack on the government, he singled out Nawaz Sharif and pointed out that Sharif had visited Karachi many times during his tenure and promised billions of rupees for the people of Sindh. But, he failed to honor his promises and the amount was never delivered.

Bilawal questioned the commitment of the government and inquired about its failure to deliver. He inquired about the two billion rupees that were promised for Thar. Referring to the different completed sections of the motorways, Bilawal stated that, the highways built in Sindh are already ruined.

Read more: Did Zardari’s ‘thug security’ cost Benazir Bhutto her life?

Why did their economic policies and agendas fail to increase the living standards of people in the country? What about the interior Sindh? Did party ever stick to its own agenda?

It was a blatant and scant attack on Sharif’s performance. One must take a note that PML-N has executed numerous motorways and highway projects under the ongoing CPEC program. It was a futile attempt to deny the accomplishments of the PML-N which PPP had failed to achieve in its last tenure between 2008 and 2013.

Bilawal did not utter a word which was not the repetition of his previous speeches. The lost limelight and lackluster personality is eluding the charisma of his mother or grandfather. High pitch and hallow promises may not be able to convince the masses now. Performances can, but it is nowhere to be seen in Sindh to give accolades to Bilalwals claims.