Taking a jibe at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), a former coalition partner, ex-foreign minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday asserted that some political parties continue to engage in politics on others’ shoulders. In his address on the occasion of the 14th death anniversary of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Bilawal declared his commitment to burying the hatchet of old animosities, saying that PPP will end the politics of hatred and division in the country. “Some forces thought that by eliminating Benazir, they could finish the PPP, but that didn’t happen. The PPP stands strong today,” Bilawal stated, addressing the gathering commemorating the anniversary of his mother’s martyrdom. On December 27, 2007, Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a gun and suicide bomb attack after an election rally in Rawalpindi, weeks after she returned to Pakistan from years in self-imposed exile. “We are not those who run away from elections, snatch nomination papers, or shy away from the electoral process. This time, we will stand firm and fight to win,” the PPP chairman said. Highlighting his PPP’s 10-point agenda, Bilawal stated his party, if elected, would provide free electricity to the poor up to 300 units, ensure access to education for every child, double salaries within five years, build three million houses for the poor, provide financial assistance to youth through youth cards, and introduce a free healthcare system nationwide through public-private partnerships. Additionally, he said that the PPP will establish green energy parks in every district and introduce a farmer card similar to the Benazir Income Support Programme. He announced the launch of the “Bhook Mitao” (eradicate hunger) programme to combat poverty and unemployment, stating, “Through this programme, we will combat poverty and unemployment, having fought these challenges for three generations.” Reflecting on his time during the coalition government, he said that he did not see the coalition partners showing interest in tackling terrorism, economic challenges or foreign affairs. Former president and PPP Co-Chairman Syed Asif Ali Zardari, during his address, reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the rights of the people. “Pakistan is not a poor country; it is Islamabad that is the poorest. The issues lie not in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but in the mindset of those seated in Islamabad,” he said. Zardari underlined the disconnect between politicians and the struggles of the common man. “Politicians are preoccupied with the promises made during election campaigns, oblivious to the hardships faced by the impoverished class,” he stated. Crediting his party for the restoration of the 1973 Constitution, Zardari defended his political legacy, stating, “No one can accuse me of switching sides. Public issues can only be resolved by politicians.” The former president expressed commitment to fulfilling promises made by Bilawal, saying: “Together, we will fulfil all the promises made by Bilawal. Let us be patient and considerate; we will build Pakistan. Many have come and gone, but today, we only remember Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.” Ten point welfare agenda 1. Pledge to double incomes in five years. 2. Free 300 units of solar energy to the needy; green energy parks in every district. 3. Ensure universal education access with a focus on system-wide improvements. 4. Deliver free healthcare to all Pakistani citizens. 5. Build three million homes for flood victims and those facing economic hardships. 6. Expand Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and introduce new welfare schemes. 7. Introduce farmer-focused program with ‘Hari Card,’ akin to BISP. 8. Strengthen support for labourers through the Benazir Mazdoor Card. 9. Introduce ‘Youth Card’ for unemployed youth; establish ‘Youth Markaz’ centres. 10. Launch ‘Bhook Mitao Programme’ to tackle hunger and enhance food security.