Veteran politicians neither think about the present nor the future as they are still stuck in the past: Bilawal

MARDAN, Nov 17 (SABAH): As parties go into electioneering mode, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari lamented on traditional politics terming it as the country’s worst enemy and stressed the need to embark on “new politics”.

Speaking at a workers’ convention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district, Bilawal Bhutto termed traditional politics as Pakistan’s worst enemy and said: “We need to [embark] on a new political [direction and strategy] which will allow us to overcome the issues faced by the country.”

He added: “Veteran politicians neither think about the present nor the future [as] they are still stuck in the past. We want to leave behind the politics of division, hate and abuse which [as part of] the traditional politics has been going on for the [past] 70 years.”

While talking about modern-day politics and its benefits, the PPP leader said: “We have to become the voice of the ‘new politics’ […] We think about the present and future and not what’s in the past.”

“Politicians who joined the “Mehangai league” [inflation party] will not remain electable anymore [due to their decision],” Bilawal said.

Responding to the criticism of the party’s slogan and manifesto, the politico said that it is often said that these are old and exhausted slogans and that the PPP should rely on something new.

“Today the country suffers from historical inflation, poverty and unemployment levels due to prevalent economic turmoil,” he said, adding, “Our competition is with inflation, unemployment and poverty. We have to take the country forward [into the future] in a new [and reformed] way.

“The country is still plagued with [exuberantly high] inflation and unemployment […] And so our slogan [and manifesto] will remain unchanged.

“Our slogan and manifesto will succeed on February 8 [and] the next prime minister and chief minister [of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa] will be ours as well.”

Announcing that the party will kick off its election campaign “soon”, the ex-minister said: “Everyone can see that the PPP will win in the upcoming polls.”

Bilawal Bhutto said the solution to the issues of inflation and unemployment lies in his party’s victory in the upcoming elections.

He highlights the party’s historical dedication to serving the people and emphasised the sacrifices of leaders like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.

Bilawal Bhutto pledged to address the economic challenges through collective efforts after recounting Benazir Bhutto’s 30-year political struggle when she faced two dictators.

Expressing dissatisfaction over seven decades of old politics, Bilawal Bhutto called for a new political approach, advocating for unity and a departure from outdated politics.  Seeking support, he emphasised the party’s focus on fighting inflation, unemployment, and poverty, expressing trust in the people’s power.

Bilawal Bhutto reaffirmed the party’s focus that power belonged to the people and promised to fulfill the unfinished mission of Shaheed leaders in the upcoming election campaign. He criticised the pursuit of electables in old politics and emphasised the party’s commitment to democracy and the people’s welfare.