Bilawal Bhutto : Elements in judiciary, establishment conspired against PPP in May 11 poll

The Express Tribune

Former president Asif Ali Zardari did what everyone thought was impossible; he ensured the smooth transition of power from one democratic government to another, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Friday.

He was addressing a mammoth rally in Garhi Khuda Bux that had gathered to commemorate his mother, Benazir Bhutto’s death anniversary.

Applauding the public for strengthening democracy in the May 11 elections, Bilawal said people took revenge of his mother’s assassination by siding with democratic forces. “We all should congratulate former president Zardari, who had spent 11 years in jail in support of democracy,” he stressed. Commenting on PPP’s performance in the general elections, Bilawal said certain elements in establishment and judiciary didn’t want PPP to come to power.

He went on to assure Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that PPP will stand by him if anyone tries to derail the democratic process.

An almost frenetic Bilawal said “all of Benazir’s children will come into politics by the next elections.” Terrorism Bilawal said if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif fights terrorists, PPP will be the first party to support him. Lashing out at Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Bilawal said the terrorist outfit killed Benazir and many other innocent people. He criticised TTP’s war against non-Muslims and said Islam teaches respect for all religions. Rejecting the link between growing extremism and drone strikes, Bilawal said Pakistan was a victim of terrorism before drone campaign started and that terrorist attacks will continue even if the campaign ends. He did however express confidence in the Pakistan Army’s eventual victory over the terrorists. With a few “mein bhaagi hun” chants and slogans chock-full of bravado, Bilawal wrapped up his speech, telling his jiyalas he was not afraid of death.