Imran just an excuse, real target is nuclear programme, says Bilawal on US statements favouring PTI founder

• Conspirators raising voice for Imran Khan, says Bilawal.
• Says international powers casting evil eye on nuclear pregramme.
• Bilawal stresses need for unity to foil foreign plot.

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Apparently referring to the statements by President-elect Trump’s aide and other US lawmakers, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari wondered “why those who conspired against Pakistan are raising voice for PTI founder Imran Khan”.

“We have to get united to deal with the conspiracy being hatched against us [Pakistan]. We have to think about the Pakistan and its defence while keeping aside politics,” the PPP chief said.

He made the remarks on Friday while addressing the public gathering in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on the 17th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

“They [international powers] are casting an evil eye on nuclear technology gifted by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto."

Expressing annoyance over “foreign interference” in Pakistan’s internal affairs, the PPP chairman said: “Statements are being issued from US about our internal politics; these statements are just excuses.”

He said that the US lawmakers had nothing to do with democracy in Pakistan, adding: “PTI founder is just an excuse, their real target is Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programme.”

“PTI founder should clarify his position about these statements.”

The PPP leader wondered that why those who had been issuing statements against Pakistan’s nuclear programmer are now raising their voices for Khan’s release.

He said that PTI and its founder should condemn these statements.

“There is an impression that a certain lobby wants to bring a government [in the country] that is ready to make a deal on anything [including nuclear programme].

Stressing the need for making consensus decision, the PPP chairman said that that PML-N-led government doesn’t have mandate to take unilateral decisions.

Addressing the event, Bilawal paid rich tribute to his mother and the slain former prime minister, saying that her 30-year political struggle has become part of history.

He said that Benazir had never compromised on ideology, adding that she was the representative of the vulnerable segments of the society.

“An international conspiracy is being hatched against Pakistan,” he said, adding that they could deal with the nefarious designs by unity and political stability.

The PPP leader urged all the political forces to set aside their differences for the sake of the country.

Referring to recent US sanctions on Pakistan missile programme, Bilawal said: “They wish that no Muslim country has nuclear power.”

Last week, the US imposed additional sanctions related to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, targeting four entities. Islamabad, however, termed the decision as "biased" stressing that the step from the US had "dangerous implications for strategic stability of our region and beyond".

The PPP founder made “Islamic bomb”, Bilawal said, adding that they would let anybody to make a “deal” on the nuclear and missile programme.

No cut in water, gas shares, President assures Sindh   

Addressing the public gathering, President Asif Ali Zardar has promised the people of Sindh that their water and gas "would not go anywhere" apparently referring to the federal government’s project for constructing six canals on the River Indus.

"Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh will also get their rights," he said, urging the people to refrain from getting panic.

Zardari said he has become president for the second time due to unwavering support from the people of Sindh.

"We reversed the verdict of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto'case after 43 years, now it will always remain a judicial murder," he added.

Furthermore, he said that they have to save the country from the hands of "anti-Pakistan elements".

PPP and its supporters across the country observed the 17th death anniversary of their slain leader with great devotion and respect.

A main congregation was held in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, the hometown and the resting place of the Bhutto family. President Zardari, Bilawal and central and provincial leaders of the party addressed the gathering.

Benazir's youngest child, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, who is now the first lady of Pakistan and central president of PPP's Ladies Wing and Asif's sister and member of provincial assembly (MPA) Faryal Talpur, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had reached the Presidential House Naudero in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh a day ahead of the anniversary.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and other leaders were also present there.

At the gathering's scene, a 60-foot-wide main stage was decorated with party flags, portraits of Benazir and other party leaders. Famous poets of the country paid tribute to their late leader through poetry on the occasion.