Bilawal Criticizes Achakzai’s PTI Presidential Candidacy

Quetta: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has criticized Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the chief of Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party for accepting the nomination as the presidential candidate of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The announcement of Achakzai’s nomination by the SIC came today, setting him up as a competitor against PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for the top constitutional post.

In a press conference held alongside the newly elected Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, Bilawal Bhutto questioned Achakzai’s claim of being a “nationalist” while aligning himself with PTI for the presidential candidacy. Despite this criticism, Bilawal stated that PPP would continue dialogue with nationalist parties.

Bilawal also emphasized that the new government in Balochistan would adhere to the principles outlined in the late Benazir Bhutto’s final book, focusing on reconciliation. He stressed the importance of collective efforts from all political parties to address the issues facing the province.

Regarding the recent heavy rainfall in Gwadar, Bilawal expressed hope that Chief Minister Bugti would prioritize a visit to the affected area. He assured that the new government in Balochistan would actively combat terrorism and extremism in accordance with the National Action Plan.

Read more: Will not be candidate for Prime Minister: Bilawal

Bilawal Bhutto addressed the issue of missing persons, describing it as “contentious.” He announced plans to form a parliamentary committee to address this issue and invited other political parties to participate in discussions.

In the National Assembly, the alliance led by PTI has secured 209 seats out of 336, while opposition parties hold 104 seats. The PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council is the largest party in the lower house. In Punjab, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) holds the majority with 194 seats, while PPP dominates the Sindh Assembly. Both parties have formed an alliance in the Balochistan Assembly.

In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the Sunni Ittehad Council has over 85 lawmakers. Asif Ali Zardari, competing in the presidential elections for the second time, is in a favorable position to win and replace President Arif Alvi.