PPP expected to field Bilawal Bhutto from Bhutto family stronghold

By PTI

Updated: Friday, October 18, 2013, 16:31 [IST]

Karachi, Oct 18: Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who recently became eligible to contest polls, is expected to contest parliamentary elections from a seat in Sindh province that has been a traditional stronghold of his family.

Bilawal is likely to be fielded by the PPP from the National Assembly seat in Larkana, the Bhutto family's hometown.

"Discussions have been held on letting Bilawal, who has turned 25, contest the by-elections from (Larkana) to get him elected as a member of the National Assembly and allow him to make his first entry into politics," a senior PPP leader said.

The leader said a formal announcement would be made after the PPP's executive committee approved the move. Bilawal became eligible to contest polls when he turned 25 last month. Bilawal's father and PPP chief, former President Asif Ali Zardari, on Thursday addressed a public rally in Naudero, located close to Larkana, as part of Eid celebrations.

The highlight of the rally was Bilawal mixing freely with people. Zardari also presided over a meeting of senior PPP leaders on Thursday. His sister Faryal Talpur and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah also participated in the meeting.

Bilawal seemed at ease as he mingled with people

During the meeting, senior leaders said the time was right for Bilawal to make his entry into active politics. In order to let Bilawal contest for a seat in the National Assembly, the PPP will have to give former provincial minister Ayaz Soomro, who was elected from Larkana in the general election in May, some responsibility in the Sindh government, the PPP leader said.

During his interaction with party workers, Zardari said that if the PML-N government at the centre takes "positive steps", the PPP will extend complete backing to them in the Senate.

However, some "other course of action" will be looked at if the government fails to address challenges facing Pakistan, he said. The PPP and its allies control the Senate or upper house of parliament.

PTI