Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has predicted the formation of a "national unity government" following the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024, asserting that no single party is likely to secure a simple majority of 172 seats in the National Assembly.
In an interview with a private news channel, Zardari explained that moving the no-confidence motion against former prime minister Imran Khan was necessary to prevent an economic downturn and hyper-inflation. He criticised the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, claiming it led to the country's isolation on the international stage.
Labeling Imran Khan as the "enemy of Pakistan’s economy," Zardari accused the imprisoned PTI chief of planning to rig the elections with the involvement of a retired army official. When the anchor asked was it former spymaster General (retd) Faiz Hameed, the former president responded in affirmative.
Zardari disclosed his refusal to leave Pakistan in May 2021, citing concerns about demoralising his political workers. He vaguely mentioned an offer during the PTI government to take six ministries.
Discussing his support for Shehbaz Sharif's candidacy for the prime ministerial position after Imran Khan's potential ousting through a no-confidence vote last year, Zardari attributed it to the PML-N having the numerical strength required for the role in the National Assembly.
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Regarding the Balochistan Awami Party's (BAP) alignment with the PML-N, Zardari suggested it was compelled rather than voluntary.
Zardari criticised Monis Elahi for remaining absconding despite his father's ordeal in jail. He acknowledged supporting Shehbaz Sharif due to his work ethics but expressed regret that his advice on trade matters was not always heeded.
Zardari predicted a coalition government after the February 8 elections, emphasising his political involvement as a compulsion and carrying forward the legacy of his spouse Benazir Bhutto.
On Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's criticism of veteran politicians, Zardari acknowledged his son's better eloquence but highlighted the lack of experience. On PML-N-MQM-P alliance, Zardari said that it was the democratic right of the latter to join any alliance, denying backtracking from promises to MQM-P.
Refuting claims of a "double game" by the interim Punjab government, Zardari dismissed allegations of its proxy association with the PML-N. He defended the 18th amendment, stating that rolling it back would face resistance from provinces like Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
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Zardari emphasised the positive impact of the 18th amendment on provincial development and pledged to address issues of missing persons, especially in Balochistan, once in government. He acknowledged Bilawal's leadership of PPP while he oversees PPP-Parliamentarians, issuing party tickets per Benazir Bhutto's wishes.
In a lighter vein, Zardari responded to Rana Sanaullah's seat predictions for PML-N in Punjab, stating, "there is no tax on speaking." He addressed the youth's migration for better opportunities abroad, viewing it as a patriotic desire to serve the country.
Zardari called for further strengthening the Election Commission of Pakistan for free and fair elections and expressed foresight of PTI contesting the 2024 elections, clarifying he was not against their participation.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
