Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari extended an invitation to the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Friday, encouraging them to join the Charter of Democracy (CoD) signed by two major political parties.
According to sources, the purpose of this move is to ensure that no political entity seeks military support to attain power or dislodge a democratically elected government.
During a conversation with reporters at the inauguration of a free diagnostic lab facility, provided by the JDC Foundation, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari adopted a diplomatic approach towards the PTI in light of the upcoming election date announcement.
Although he did not rule out the possibility of an electoral alliance with PTI, he expressed reservations regarding recent attempts by PTI to criticise state institutions before the upcoming elections.
When asked about the potential of an electoral alliance with PTI in Punjab, Bhutto-Zardari responded, “We have not yet made any decision in this regard.”
Regarding the Charter of Democracy, he emphasised, “I think all the political parties of the country should come to the CoD, and it will be very good if the PTI also recognises and joins the charter.”
The CoD, originally signed by the exiled leadership of PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during the dictatorship of Pervez Musharraf in May 2006, aimed to establish a political system of harmony and reconciliation to ensure the continuity of Pakistan’s democratic system. The document, signed by former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, served as the foundation for their joint campaign against military rule.
Welcoming the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) announcement of the election date, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed his concerns about the availability of a level playing field for all political parties. However, he remained confident that the PPP would form the next government. He stressed the need for a level playing field for all political parties in general elections.
Regarding the recent statements by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chief of his own faction of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), who expressed doubts about the possibility of general elections, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari chose not to comment.
Furthermore, he raised concerns about the process of repatriating Afghan nationals who have been residing in Pakistan illegally. He highlighted the importance of respecting human rights in the repatriation process and highlighted the need to follow the law without violating human rights principles.
“We are very clear about this and we have a very strict line when it comes to issues related to human rights,” said Mr. Bhutto-Zardari. “The law must be followed, but in the process, the established rules of human rights shouldn’t be violated.”