Former Pakistan President to contest elections
What's the story
Former Pakistani President, Asif Ali Zardari returned from self-imposed exile to Pakistan a few days ago. For the first time in three years, the former co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party, addressed thousands of supporters at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Zardari announced his and his son's return to political life and said, "Bilawal and I will contest the election right now, (and sit) in this Parliament."
Information
Zardaris return from exile
Asif Ali Zardari was Pakistan's President from 2008-2013. He returned from an 18 month self-imposed exile in Dubai to Pakistan last Friday. Since then he has repeatedly promised to make a big announcement on the death anniversary of his wife, former PM Benazir Bhutto.
Details
Zardari family's political plans
Thousands of supporters had gathered at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in Sindh where Benazir Bhutto and her father Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto are buried. This gathering was to mark the 9th death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto who was assassinated in 2007. Zardari declared he would contest from his sister's seat in Nawabshah whereas his son Bilawal would contest from Benazir Bhutto's former seat in Larkana.
How
Zardari throws gauntlet to Nawaz Sharif
Zardari in his speech said that he wasn't looking to topple the government but wanted them to implement his demands. His demands pertain to inquiry into corruption charges against Nawaz Sharif and family, implementing resolutions on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, appointing a full time Foreign Minister and reviving Pakistan's national security committee. Zardari also said he wanted to consult with Nawaz Sharif on national issues.
What did he say
Stinging remarks made by Zardaris
Zardari said, "We have sacrificed much for sake of democracy and politics to save Pakistan. We will not leave this Mughal emperor (Sharif) to rule." Bilawal Bhutto mercilessly attacked Sharif and said, "The world wants to call us a terrorist state, (and yet) people in your cabinet facilitate terrorists" and added "Your entire government is full of scandals."
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Bilawal Bhutto warns government
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also addressed the crowd and launched an attack on the government for corruption and the lack of transparency. He vowed to challenge the 'status quo' and said "Beware, I am coming to Islamabad."