Bilawal begins political career at Karachi rally

KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) held a massive rally at the Bagh-e-Jinnah in what was termed as the launch of party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s political innings.

PPP jiyalas from Sindh and across the country poured into Karachi to hear Bilawal’s ‘historic’ address.

Bilawal Addresses Rally

PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari began his address at the rally saying there are two forces in the country, those who support Bhuttoism and those who worship dictatorships.

Bilawal questioned why the PPP was the only party which is attacked in Pakistan. “Those who want to scare us should understand that the word fear does not exist in our dictionary.”




Bilawal added that the party of Bhutto was the pride of Pakistan.

The PPP chairman spoke of the script in the country. He said it was written by the supporters of dictatorships. According to Bilawal the purpose of the script was to give Nawaz Sharif a fake super mandate and derail democracy permanently. “There are foreign forces involved and want Pakistan to be destabilised like Iraq and Syria.”

He further said these forces wanted a civil war in Pakistan. “Then only solution to saving Pakistan from civil war is Bhuttoism.”




The PPP chairman questioned who had allowed Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf to use all of the federation’s resources to stop one sit-in.

Bilawal called Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif a creation of Zia and held him responsible for the Model Town tragedy.

Speaking on the economic policies of Bhuttoism, Bilawal said they were aimed at eliminating poverty. “PPP has created the most employment.”

The PPP chairman said Karachi was the heartbeat of Pakistan and was the Kohnioor in Sindh’s crown. “There are both old and new Sindhis here. All of Pakistan is represented here. Karachi belongs to all of us.” He urged all parties in Karachi to work together and make it the greatest city in the world.




Bilawal spoke of his grievances with the judiciary, stating that police officers such as Chaudhry Aslam are demoted and later martyred. “Stop sabotaging the Sindh government. You release terrorists, sentence Aasia Bibi to death. If you are so scared of terrorists resign and stay at home. We have no room for cowards.”

“The MQM has been governing Karachi for 20 years and the results are in-front of us. Now PTI wants to become the MQM of Lahore. We will not let Karachi be orphaned. Only the system of Bhutto can change Karachi.”

Stating that rigging against the PPP had taken place in every election, Bilawal said people of Karachi should not lose hope as there will be free and fair elections in 2018.

The PPP chairman called on PM Nawaz Sharif and the MQM to work together for the prosperity of Sindh. “MQM has had the health ministry in Sindh for 20 years but there has been no progress. Let me tell you (MQM) that if Ebola comes in the province even I will not be able to save you.”

According to Bilawal the slogan of corruption is used against the PPP so the party is not allowed to work for people. “Mr prime minister before you hold PPP jiyalas accountable remember transparency is also important for you.”

The PPP chairman was critical of ‘Uncle Altaf’ saying he said whatever his heart desired. He further said if there was dictatorship in Pakistan, those calling for civil disobedience in Islamabad would have been blown up with an F-16 jet.

Bilawal said the reaction in India to his comments about Kashmir was so severe before they did not have an answer. “We will not hold the peace process hostage but the Kashmir issue will be decided in accordance to the wishes of Kashmiri people.” Following this statement Bilawal chanted the slogan “Kashmir will become a part of Pakistan.”




The PPP chairman paid tribute to the soldiers of the Pakistan Army, saying they were fighting the war for Pakistan’s survival in Waziristan.

Zardari Addresses Rally

Former President Asif Ali Zardari praised by bravery of workers at the rally. “There is only one national party and that is the PPP,” Zardari said.
Without naming him, Zardari was critical of PTI chairman Imran Khan saying the “PPP did not consider serving humanity a favour.”

The former president said if the PPP was given another opportunity to govern; each farmer will be given a free tube well.
He emphasised that they had to work with the judiciary, establishment and Altaf Hussain.

"We know who is financing such large rallies,” the former President said.


Bilawal Will Continue Benazir's Mission: Gilani

Former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said the mission of Benazir Bhutto will be completed by her son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “You (Bilawal) have the opportunity to take this mission forward.”

“Bilawal is the future of this country and he can bring a revolution,” Gilani said.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Pays Homage to Karsaz martyrs

During his address at the PPP rally, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf paid homage to the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy. He said forces opposed to democracy had planned for Benazir Bhutto to be eliminated.

Revolutions Require Sacrifice: Shah

Opposition National Assembly, Khursheed Shah said sacrifices are required to bring a revolution. He added that protests did not lead to revolutions.

Bilawal Will Write History: CM Sindh

Chief Minister Sindh, Qaim Ali Shah said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will write like his mother Benazir Bhutto before him. The CM added that the PPP would not disappoint the youth of Pakistan.

Fehmida Mirza Praises Bilawal

Former National Assembly Speaker, Fehmida Mirza praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during her address at the rally. “I highly respect Bilawal,” Mirza said.

Raza Rabbani Addresses Workers

PPP leader Senator Raza Rabbani addressed party workers at the PPP rally. The senator spoke of the attack on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto when she returned to Pakistan seven years ago on this date.

“PPP is in the country for democracy and upholding the constitution.” Rabbani added that the PPP still had to wage its war with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif over workers rights.

Aitzaz Ahsan Addresses Rally

PPP leader Senator Aitzaz Ahsan addressed party workers at the venue of the rally. Ahsan said today’s rally was the first for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “All of Karachi has been dressed up like a bride.”

The PPP leader said the party did not raise the issue of rigging in the Multan by-election. He added that the PPP would have to work day and night for workers.

He urged women and the youth to come forward, telling them that the PPP was their party.

Asif Ali Zardari Arrives At Rally



Former president Asif Ali Zardari arrived on stage at the PPP rally. Images broadcast on television showed the former president standing side-by-side with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Manzoor Wattoo Addresses Rally

PPP leader Manzoor Wattoo addressed workers and congratulated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on holding this huge rally. “Today’s rally is the largest in Karachi’s history.”

Wattoo also paid tribute to workers who came to the rally from Punjab.

Owais Muzaffar Addresses Workers

PPP leader Owais Muzaffar addressed the rally saying that former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan despite facing threats. Muzaffar in a reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf said other leaders should concentrate on their province rather than pointing fingers.

Bilawal Arrives on Stage



PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived on stage of his party’s rally being held at Bagh-e-Jinnah. Bilawal was joined on stage his aunt Sanam Bhutto and prominent PPP leaders. He will address party workers shortly. Bilawal was seen wearing a white shalwar kameez and green jacket.

Bilawal's Helicopter Lands Near Rally

PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has arrived at the Quaid's mausoleum and will make his way to the PPP rally where he will address party workers. The PPP Chairman spent several minutes in the air surveying the rally from his helicopter.

#MainBhuttoHoon pic.twitter.com/T3xnYerSiJ

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 18, 2014

Bilawal Offers Fateha For Karsaz Martyrs

En-route to the rally, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari offered Fateha for the martyrs of Karsaz.

Offered feteha 4 martyrs of karsaz. We do not mourn, we celebrate shahadat. #shahadathamaramanzilhain #iambhutto pic.twitter.com/r3RSoV6JSC

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) October 18, 2014

PPP Leaders Arrive At Rally

Several senior leaders of the PPP have arrived at the venue of the rally including former prime ministers Yousaf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. Amin Fahim, Sharjeel Memon, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Sherry Rehman and AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed are also present.

Bilawal Will Not Disappoint People: Kaira



PPP leader Qamar Zama Kaira says like his mother and grandfather, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will not disappoint people. Speaking to Geo News at the venue of the rally, Kaira said more people were expected as he highlighted security concerns. “Security is a serious issue which has destroyed our political culture.”

Female Security Squad



A special female security squad has been deployed at the rally. Images broadcast on television showed members of the female security squad wearing black suits.

Security Arrangements

Strict security arrangements have been made for the PPP rally in which party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will launch his political innings. Over 22,000 policemen have been deployed while the bomb disposal squad scanned the venue of the rally and surrounding areas.

A helicopter is also being used to monitor the rally aerially.

Around 2,000 PPP workers will be deployed for security inside the venuie will activities will be monitored electronically via 50 CCTV cameras through a centralised command and control system.

Seating arrangements have been made for 100,000 people at the venue while 50,000 chairs will be placed adjacent to Bagh-e-Jinnah.

Traffic Diversions

Traffic from Saddar Dawakhana and Corridor Three till Khudadad Flyover and Peoples Chowrangi will be closed.

The road from Capri Cinema on MA Jinnah road will also be closed. Traffic from Shara-e-Faisal to Shara-e-Quaideen will be diverted towards Regent Plaza and Lucky Star from where vehicles can reach MA Jinnah Road. Vehicles from this point can make a left turn towards Naz Plaza and then turn right near Coast Guard Street passing through Bahadar Yar Jang Road, Holy Family Hospital, Soldier Bazaar and head towards Lasbela and Nazimabad.

Vehicles traveling from University Road to MA Jinnah Road can use Nipa Chowrangi, Drig Road, Shara-e-Faisal, Hasan Square, National Stadium and Karsaz.

Traffic from Soharb Goth to Teen Hati, Saddar and Cantt will turn left from Teen Hati towards Jail Chowrangi, Shaheed-e-Milat Road, Shara-e-Faisal and Baloch Colony. Traffic from Nazimabad to Saddar or Cantt will turn right on Lasbela Chowk towards Garden and Makki Masjid.

Parking Plan

The over 9,000 vehicles coming to Karachi from Hyderabad District will be parked at National Stadium, National Coaching Center, Tipu Sultan Road, Baloch Colony, China Ground, Kashmir Road, KMC Sports Complex, Noor Ground and Khalid bin Waleed Road.

Vehicles from Mirpurkhas district will be parked at Stadium Road next to Aga Khan Hospital and Home Economics College.

4,000 vehicles from Larkana Division will be parked at Civic Center Road and Hasan Square Milk Plant. Vehicles from Sukkur Division will be parked at Jail Loop, Dawood Engineering College, Islamia College, from Jail Chowrangi to Medicare Shaheed-e-Milat Road and Khatoon-e-Pakistan College.

Other designated parking areas in the city include: SRTC Ground, Gul Plaza, the plot opposite Karachi Grammar School, BMB School, Railway Ground, City Station, Army Welfare Trust Ground, FTC Building, Railway Ground Kala Pul, Kokan Ground Gulshan-e-Iqbal and YMCA Ground.