KARACHI: In a significant political revelation, Mayor Murtaza Wahab of Karachi has stated that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari rejected an offer to become Pakistan’s Prime Minister during the ongoing government formation process. Wahab, a close associate of Bilawal and a prominent member of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), shared this information in a statement, adding a new twist to the country’s political narrative.

Bilawal’s Decision and the Political Landscape

Murtaza Wahab clarified that Bilawal’s rise to the premiership would not be based on any secret deals but rather through the full support of the people. According to Wahab, Bilawal had been offered the role of Prime Minister during the discussions about forming the government but turned it down, underscoring that his leadership would not be the result of behind-the-scenes negotiations or backdoor dealings.

This revelation comes amidst speculation about Bilawal’s political ambitions and his role in the future of the Pakistani government. It also contrasts sharply with recent claims by opposition figures about secret meetings to install Bilawal as Prime Minister.

Attacks on PTI Leadership and the May 9 Incident

Murtaza Wahab also took a jab at the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, referring to the May 9 attacks on government installations. Wahab accused the PTI founder of attempting to “seize power” by orchestrating violent marches and protests aimed at destabilizing the government and creating the opportunity for Imran Khan to become Prime Minister.

He further emphasized that the “heinous role” played by Imran Khan and PTI during this period would never be forgotten by the people of Pakistan. This strong condemnation aligns with PPP’s ongoing political rhetoric, which has frequently criticized the PTI leadership’s role in the country’s political unrest.

Speculation About Secret Meetings in the President House

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif had ignited controversy by suggesting that “secret meetings” were taking place at the President House aimed at ousting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in favor of Bilawal Bhutto. Saif claimed that both Asif Ali Zardari (Bilawal’s father) and Bilawal were actively working toward securing the premiership for the younger Bhutto, with Zardari reportedly on a “secret mission” to help his son become the next leader of the country.

These comments have fueled debates within political circles, with many questioning whether these backdoor moves are in fact part of a larger political strategy, especially as 2024 general elections approach.

PPP’s Political Vision Moving Forward

Despite these speculations, Murtaza Wahab’s statements indicate that Bilawal Bhutto’s leadership will be grounded in the will of the people and not influenced by secretive power plays. PPP’s focus on democratic values and transparency remains central to their campaign, with Wahab stressing that any political changes involving Bilawal will come through public support rather than deals with powerful elites.

As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex political landscape, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s future in government remains a subject of great interest and speculation. While the PPP continues to position Bilawal as a youthful and capable leader, the road ahead remains uncertain, especially with opposition parties like PTI and their alliances actively challenging the current setup.

Conclusion

The revelation of Bilawal Bhutto’s decision to reject the offer of Prime Minister raises questions about the future direction of PPP and its strategy for the coming elections. As the political landscape evolves, both supporters and critics will continue to watch closely for any signs of Bilawal’s potential premiership, either through electoral success or another shift in Pakistan’s political dynamics.