LALA MUSA: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Wednesday claimed that a puppet alliance like that of Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI) was being formed for the upcoming elections. Speaking to media in Lala Musa, the PPP chief said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is mistaken if he thinks he can scheme his way into becoming prime minister of Pakistan. “If Imran was as popular as he thinks he is, he would not have to employ [cheap] tactics to win the elections,” he noted, adding that Imran’s politics is destroying the country. Bilawal lambasted the ‘favouritism’ being shown towards Imran Khan.”If Imran Khan is so popular, if his politics is on a high as is being presented and people are with him, why is there a need for favouritism towards him? Why is there a need to give a non-level playing field to other political parties?” he asked.”Why is Imran Khan afraid of free and fair elections?” he wondered. “It is because he knows that, be it the GDA [Grand Democratic Alliance] or the PTI or whoever else, they cannot compete on a level playing field.” “Khan sahab is under the false impression that he can become the prime minister through conspiracies; he will fail in this conspiracy,” the PPP chief claimed.”You might gain from the politics of hate and abuse in the short term, but in the long term, a lot of damage will be done to the nation and its youth,” he cautioned, in response to a question regarding the controversial language used by PTI leaders. The PPP chief claimed that it was not just the PPP and PML-N who held reservations over the fairness of the election, but also the Awami National Party, political leaders in Balochistan, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the international media. Speaking about his objectives, Bilawal said that he will focus on people-friendly policies. To a question, the PPP chief said he is against banned political parties contesting elections. When asked about PPP’s manifesto, Bilawal said it was different than those presented by the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and PTI which focused more on economic policies of the country. The PPP’s manifesto, he said, has a bottom of the pyramid approach with its ‘Bhook Mitao Program’ and focus on all the sectors. He repeated his demand for a more extensive and comprehensive Charter of Democracy which includes a multitude of political parties as democracy is facing new challenges today. Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto paid glowing tributes to Shahnawaz Bhutto on his 33rd martyrdom anniversary. In his message on the occasion, the PPP chairman said that Shahnawaz Bhutto sacrificed his life at a young age fighting the tyrannical regime of General ZiaulHaq. He said Zia killed Shahnawaz Bhutto due to his untiring struggle against dictatorship. Published in Daily Times, July 19th 2018.