A major blow to self-serving and collusive politics: Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has lashed out at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for their deceit and betrayals. Reflecting on history, during the 1980s when Benazir Bhutto became the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, the political heir of General Zia-ul-Haq, launched fierce opposition against her.
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This ignited a battle between the political left and right, allowing a third party to exploit the conflict and install their preferred governments.
While Benazir became Prime Minister twice and Nawaz Sharif thrice, neither completed a full five-year term. Later, the Charter of Democracy was signed between the PPP and PML-N, leading to mutual support for each other’s governments, but distancing themselves from public issues and losing popular support. In Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, and in Punjab, Shahbaz Sharif maintained strong control.
The arrival of PTI disrupted this collusive politics. This was a moment when PPP and PML-N should have learned lessons and presented a cohesive plan to win back the youth’s trust. However, they failed, and the youth turned to PTI as their savior. Eventually, the PML-N and PPP joined forces to overthrow the Khan government. The subsequent PDM government further damaged the already shaky reputation of both parties, strengthening Khan instead.
The events of May 9 unfolded, and February elections approached. Despite immense pressure from the government machinery and institutional support, PTI could not be eradicated. Once again, the rivals of the 1990s, the political right and left, joined hands for power. Shahbaz Sharif became Prime Minister during the PDM government, but after the February elections, all eyes were on Bilawal for the premiership. However, fate did not favor him. Shahbaz Sharif, with double assurances from Nawaz Sharif and Zardari’s lack of support for Bilawal, retained the position.
Now, Bilawal was contemplating his next steps for the premiership. However, after passing constitutional amendments through the assembly, PML-N extensively used Bilawal and later exhibited their characteristic behavior of betrayal. Bilawal, in frustration, has now voiced his concerns, stating:
- “Under this government, Pakistan’s relations with the U.S. have reached their worst state.”
- “The government has been continuously lying about the Internet and 4G.”
- “Promises made to PPP during constitutional amendments have not been honored.”
Bilawal’s statements highlight his growing frustration with PML-N’s actions, signaling deep cracks in the alliance.
