PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari declared his readiness for an open debate with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing that he is prepared for “any debate and scrutiny.” Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bilawal invited Nawaz Sharif to specify the time and place for the debate, asserting that avoiding the challenge would not be effective.
Throughout his election campaign, Bilawal has consistently criticized the PML-N, sparking responses from the top leadership of the rival party. Recently, he proposed a televised debate between himself and Nawaz Sharif before the upcoming February 8 general elections, citing the global practice of such debates for informed voter decision-making.
In response to Bilawal’s challenge, PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif suggested that an invitation for Nawaz to inspect Sindh would have been more appropriate than a debate.
Undeterred, Bilawal responded by demanding the specific city and date for the debate. Today, he proposed three locations for the debate: Gambat in Khairpur, Tharparkar, and Karachi’s National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD).
Bilawal invited Nawaz to debate in Gambat, Khairpur, suggesting an inspection of the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, claiming it surpasses any hospital in Punjab and provides free treatment. Alternatively, he suggested Tharparkar for a comparison of infrastructure and mentioned the success of the Thar coal project in providing inexpensive electricity.
Furthermore, Bilawal offered the NICVD in Karachi as a debate venue, highlighting the institution’s five-year record of treating over 84,000 people from Punjab free of cost.
In the midst of his election campaign, Bilawal has consistently criticized the PML-N, using the metaphor of “hunting the tiger down with the arrow,” a reference to the electoral symbols of PPP and PML-N.
During a recent rally in Peshawar, Bilawal criticized opponents for their reluctance to campaign, attributing it to excuses like cold weather and security threats. He pointed out Nawaz Sharif’s failure to protect his government despite a two-thirds majority and accused opponents of claiming credit for PPP’s accomplishments.
Seeking support from PML-N supporters, Bilawal urged them to vote for democracy and the sanctity of the vote by choosing the arrow symbol on the ballot.