ISLAMABAD: PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said he would like to see his father Asif Ali Zardari become the president. PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari hold a press conference in Islamabad following a two-day long party meeting.

“And I am not saying this because he is my father. I am saying this because the country is in a huge crisis at the moment and if anyone has the capacity to douse this fire, it is Asif Ali Zardari,” he asserted.

In response to a question, Bilawal said all political forces needed to think about the country and end the politics of division. “They must not just think about themselves […] this way the enemies of the country would want to benefit from this crisis.”

“It takes two to tango.”

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said the PTI is taking decisions that are not favourable for democracy, referring to the Imran Khan-led party’s recent announcement that it would not hold dialogue with the PML-N, PTI and MQM-P.

“Saying that we will not talk with anyone, okay don’t do it. But why did people give you a vote? They voted for you to resolve their problems […] a political force must listen to others.

“When they don’t do that, it damages the country,” Bilawal pointed out.

He stated that the PPP had today once again decided to raise the slogan of “Pakistan khappay” only for the sake of the country and in the interest of the people.

“We will support political parties without becoming part of the government in the shape of ministries or PDM 2 as people are saying. We will not become part of it. As far as premiership issues, budget and legislation are concerned, we will support them,” Bilawal added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said his party has accepted the election results, despite concerns, in the larger interest of the country.

“We want all the political parties to address the shortcomings so that no one can point fingers at elections the next time. We will also utilise available forums like ECP, parliament, etc in addressing these issues,” he said at a press conference in Islamabad.

He said that his party had raised concerns regarding a level playing field with Asif Ali Zardari during the PPP’s Central Executive Committee meeting and the latter had assured that these complaints would be addressed.

“In conclusion, the PPP has made the decision that we may not be a part of the government but we will engage with political parties on the issue of votes and the election of prime minister.

“I am assuring the public that the Parliament will be formed and it is a forum where their issues will be resolved,” Bilawal added.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said the reality is that his party does not have a mandate to form a government in the federation.

“Due to this, I will not be putting myself forward for the candidacy of the prime minister of Pakistan,” he said, adding that PML-N and the independents have greater numbers in the Centre.