Bilawal Bhutto blasts journalist over allegations of 'political dealings with establishment'

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari lost his cool when a journalist, Matiullah Jan, asked a question regarding political parties alleged involvement in strking a deal with establishment to topple Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in April, 2022.

The journalist's inquiry was in reference to recent statements made by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, wherein the latter claimed that the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan was tabled by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on the directives of former COAS Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-DG ISI Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed.

"After Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's sacrifice, the democracy should prevail in this country, but its unfortunate that all politicians, including you [Bilawal] make deals with establishment to come into power," the journalist asked.

In response to the question, the former foreign minister demanded that the journalist provide evidence to support his allegations.

"Excuse me, let me make my point. You have accused me of striking a deal in front of national and international media without providing any evidence. So now we are in the Supreme Court; if you have proof, then show me," PPP chairman said while speaking to the media outside the SC after attending the hearing of presidential reference against Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's death sentence.

In turn, the journalist pointed to the no-confidence motion as evidence, saying, "Your leaders have accepted that a deal was made."

"Mati, you must adhere to the principles of journalistic ethics. I cannot be held accountable for Maulana's statements. However, if you are accusing me, you must substantiate it with evidence," responded Bilawal.

"Furthermore, if I have engaged with anyone, it is imperative to discern whether our discussions were for democracy and the Constitution of Pakistan or were self-serving," he added.