On Wednesday, PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the PTI for seeking discussions with the military, despite recently emphasizing the importance of constitutional adherence and cautioning the army against political involvement.
During a National Assembly debate following his father’s address to a joint parliamentary session, Bhutto-Zardari stated, “Their actions contradict their words.” He pointed out that while the PTI claims to champion constitutional supremacy, rule of law, and true independence, they are simultaneously pursuing talks with the military establishment.
Expressing frustration with the opposition’s “non-serious attitude,” Bhutto-Zardari’s remarks sparked protests from opposition members. He accused them of neither believing in democracy nor being committed to constitutional rule, but rather focusing on their own grievances. “They know very well whose favor they must curry to serve their interests,” he commented.
He reminded that although the opposition leader declared the establishment should stay out of politics, their actions suggest otherwise. He also criticized PTI’s choice of Ali Amin Gandapur as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s chief minister, recalling their prior selection of Usman Buzdar for Punjab.
Bhutto-Zardari noted the opposition’s lamentation over their leader’s imprisonment, emphasizing that instead of focusing on their own issues, they should contribute to the budget discussions amid the economic crisis. “If they are receiving salaries, they should justify them by playing a positive role in parliament,” he asserted.
During the session, calls for reconciliation and dialogue were prevalent, with PTI proposing additional conditions for talks. PTI leader Zain Qureshi, son of former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, stated his party’s readiness for dialogue, provided that politically motivated detainees, including Imran Khan and his father, are released. He also demanded the formation of a commission to investigate the alleged theft of PTI’s mandate through manipulations in Forms 47, as well as the events of May 9, insisting that those responsible be held accountable and apologies issued if necessary.
Riaz Fatyana of PTI added that a clear agenda is needed for the dialogue, raising issues about discrepancies in forms 45 and 47, and urging prompt resolution of cases involving 60 National Assembly seats filed with the tribunals. “If handled on merit, it could result in opposition and treasury members swapping their seats,” he claimed.
