Bhutto calls for thorough investigation into Imran Khan's cipher controversy

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called for a comprehensive investigation into the unfolding controversy surrounding former Prime Minister Imran Khan's "cipher" case, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking to the media in Larkana on Sunday, Bilawal said he had submitted his nomination papers from Larkana, Lahore, and Qambar Shahdadkot, adding that the PPP would fully participate in the elections due to the current issues plaguing the country.

Talking about the cipher matter, he said that there should be a full investigation on the cipher because it has been a threat to the national security so the court should take the matter of the cipher seriously so that people may know the reality.

He voiced concerns over what he perceives as Imran Khan receiving political "relief" in the lead-up to the February 8 polls.

The cipher case originated from a piece of paper that Imran Khan brandished at a public rally on March 27, 2022, just before facing a crucial vote of confidence.

Bilawal’s remarks came three days after the Supreme Court granted bail to Imran and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the cipher case.

"Imran seems to be getting relief. PPP does not believe in political vendettas and does not wish to engage in such practices with its opponents. However, the cipher incident is a matter of grave concern and should be thoroughly investigated. It poses a significant breach of national security,” the PPP chairman added.

https://twitter.com/PPP_Org/status/1738867552154259920

Bilawal Bhutto asserted that there is no record of the cipher given to Imran who himself had admitted that it was misplaced.

However, he added that it became a subject of global media attention on the day the PTI founder was arrested. 

Bilawal called for a serious approach from the judiciary or a government-led inquiry to unveil the story behind the cipher matter.

The former foreign minister claimed that the PML-N would not win the upcoming elections as the people have shown their support for the PPP.

He passed a satirical comment on the former PM’s homecoming mentioning that his ambition and hope of premiership would fail as his party did not have enough support from the people.

Talking about various problems in the country he said, “The PPP believes that the healthcare system should be free for every Pakistani as a healthy populace will contribute towards a prosperous society.

”Mentioning the young blood, he said, “Currently 70% of Pakistan's population is youth and they are facing unemployment, poverty, and economic crisis so providing jobs should be a duty of a political party.”

The PPP chief said only people will be the source of power as they have always supported the party because its manifesto and policies have worked for the betterment of the masses.

Talking about political victimization, he said the PPP has never believed in political revenge and it respected the workers of political parties.

On a question about an alliance with the PTI, Bilawal said the PPP would contest the February 8 general election based on its own strength and there was no alliance as yet with any other party.

However, he did say there was “ample scope” for the PPP to work together with political workers since “we are the only political party that believes in democracy and not political vendettas.”

In response to a question, Bilawal stated that objections can be raised against any leader, but any political worker of any party, including PTI, should have the freedom to engage in politics. 

Bilawal Bhutto said Pakistan is fighting the case of Palestine in the United Nations.

The former foreign minister said that the case of Palestine can be fought only by the newly elected government.  

The former foreign minister quipped, "Nawaz Sharif's initial slogan was, "Why was I ousted?" In this election, his slogan will be, 'Why was I invited?'"