Wanted PM to address Parliament, would have said we are with him: Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari spoke on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday, saying he did not share some of the opposition members criticism of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s address to the nation.

“I expected him [PM Imran] to deliver a speech today along the lines of what he said yesterday and for me to say Qadam barhao Imran Khan hum tumharay saath hai [we are with you],” Bilawal said.

Bilawal’s statement came after PPP leader Khursheed Shah was critical of the prime minister’s address to the nation saying his body language was aggressive. Shah’s sentiment was echoed by PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique.

The PPP chairman said his party was with democracy, justice and rule of law. He stressed that while there was criticism, now was not the time to dwell on it.

“This is a time for us to develop consensus. This is a time for us to address the grave issues and challenges facing our country and the imminent danger that the law and order situation places the citizens of Pakistan in,” emphasised the PPP chairman.

Bilawal added that the country could not afford any more tragedies and the prime minister and interior minister needed to do their job.

Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi lauded Bilawal for standing being Prime Minister Imran Khan at a time when unity was the need of the hour.

“I laud Bilawal for not engaging in political point-scoring. [He made it clear] that there should be no compromise on the rule of law,” the minister remarked.