Bilawal Bhutto Agrees To Shehbaz Sharif’s Debate Challenge

The ongoing political rivalry between Pakistan’s major parties, the PPP and PML-N, took a new turn as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accepted PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif’s challenge to debate three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Sindh.

This latest exchange of words between the two prominent political figures has intensified as Pakistan approaches the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8.

I am ready for any debate and scrutiny. Mian Nawaz Sharif can debate with me in Gambat, Khairpur. He can come and visit the Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences, a hospital that surpasses any hospital in Punjab, and where all treatment is absolutely free. Despite being Prime… https://t.co/WThzbP0P6j

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) January 28, 2024

Read more: Bilawal Bhutto Unveils Ambitious 10-Point Manifesto Ahead of General Elections

In a move reminiscent of Western democracies, Bilawal, the PPP’s prime ministerial candidate, challenged Shehbaz Sharif to a US-style debate, aiming to provide voters with insights into their respective agendas before the elections.

Responding to Bilawal’s challenge, Shehbaz Sharif dismissed the idea, suggesting that Nawaz Sharif would have been more productive by visiting Sindh instead of engaging in a verbal duel.

Speaking at a rally in Rawalpindi without directly naming Bilawal, Shehbaz remarked that a political leader and his friend expressed a desire to debate with Nawaz Sharif. He hinted that those who doubted Nawaz Sharif’s political prowess would find answers on February 8.

The PML-N has been critical of the PPP’s governance in Sindh, where the PPP has held power for over 15 years, since the end of the PDM-led government.

Bilawal promptly accepted Shehbaz’s challenge and proposed three locations in Sindh for the debate.

In a quick response on social media, Bilawal invited Nawaz Sharif to a debate in Karachi, Gambat Tehsil of Khairpur District, or Tharparkar.

He praised Gambat’s superior healthcare facilities, claiming they surpassed any in Punjab, and highlighted the success of the Thar coal project, providing electricity not only to Karachi but also to Faisalabad.

Bilawal suggested the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) in Karachi as a debate venue, emphasizing its role in treating a significant number of patients from Punjab last year, showcasing superior healthcare services in Sindh.

Challenging Shehbaz Sharif to confirm a date and location for the debate, Bilawal urged him not to shy away from the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue.