CHITRAL, Aug. 6 (TNS): As Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) is yet to formally announce its candidate for NA-120 seat vacated after the disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif is anticipating his defeat and thus reluctant to contest the election for National Assembly seat.
Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Bilawal said Shahbaz knew he may have to face embarrassing defeat in the election, thus he opted not to contest the election. PPP leadership has not yet decided to pitch a candidate from the party’s platform, he added.
Replying to a question regarding MNA Ayesha Gulalai’s allegations, Bilawal said that her allegations were of a serious nature and should be investigated impartially. There existed laws regarding sexual harassment, her case should be dealt accordingly, he added. “Politics should be kept aside and impartial investigation into her accusations should be conducted.”
The PPP chairperson said that he was saddened by the reaction of some sections of media and politicians to her allegations. “We advocate women’s rights and bringing them forward, but at the same time castigate them for leveling allegations instead of conducting a probe.”
“PPP does not want to engage in politics of allegations and will not do so in future,” Bilawal said and added “People will reject PML-N policies in general elections 2018.”
“PPP wants the parliament to adopt such a legislation which makes everyone accountable without any discrimination,” Bilawal asserted.
Slamming PTI chief Imran Khan, he said that Khan was in habit of leveling allegations against others, but PPP did not indulge in politics of allegations.
He called for legislation for across the board accountability and added no one should be immune to it, he added.
The party had been receiving requests for him to contest the next general elections from Chitral, which are being considered by the party, he added. He announced to hold a public meeting at Chiniot on August 10.
To a question, Bilawal said like Income Support Programme for Women, PPP wants to launch such monetary programme for the youth.
