Protesters hurl stones at Bilawal's convoy in Lyari

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday faced a hostile environment as he visited the stronghold of Lyari to start his election campaign.

A large group of people pelted stones at Bilawal’s convoy as it was passing through Kalri area of Lyari when it was stopped near Juna Masjid.

Bilawal was going to Chakiwara to address a rally when faced disruption. Former Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah was also present at the driving seat of the vehicle in which Bilawal was seated.

The disgruntled protesters resorted to vandalism and several cars of the rally were damaged in the incident but no one was hurt. The residents chanted slogans while protesting against the acute shortage of water in the area. Many women were among the protesters brandishing earthen pots to show their disapproval.

Police resorted to shelling to disperse the protesters and changed the course of Bilawal’s procession thorough the narrow lanes. Several party supporters also hurled stones at the protesters.

Bilawal’s spokesman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar said that rally will go ahead as planned and party workers had been asked to remain peaceful, adding that politics of fear and violence cannot deter them.

He said that the district administration, police and Rangers should fulfill their responsibilities, and the election commission should take notice of the incident and end all hindrances.

Lyari cannot be held hostage

PPP leader Senator Sherry Rehman dismissed the incident and said a small group of 25-30 miscreants caused disruption and stopped the convoy.

“The procession of democracy under the leadership of Bilawal is moving forward,” she said speaking to ARY News. “A group of 25-30 people gathered and attempted to stop Bilawal’s procession. We will not allow Lyari to be held hostage.”

She said that Bilawal was completely unharmed in the incident and they were present with him. She said that Bilawal and the party leadership were on a mission to save the nation.

“People of Lyari were used. The election campaign will continue despite all obstacles,” she said. “A handful of people were gathered to pelt stones at us.”

Election campaign kicks off

Later after arriving at Chakwari, Bilawal addressed supporters and vowed that he would fulfill all the promises made in their manifesto.He said that he is confident that people of Lyari will stand by him in his first election.

“I am contesting for the first time from Lyari and in Karachi,” he said adding that people of Lyari supported Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. “I am confident that people of Lyari will support me”.

Bilawal said he is contesting from Lyari to solve their problems. “If there is no water then we make the sea water potable and provide you,” he vowed.

He said that the party started the BISP, and their upcoming programme to alleviate hunger, which aims to provide food items at reduced prices, will be run by the women of Lyari and provide employment.

He said that he will visit every place to apprise the people of the party’s election manifesto adding that he will also fulfill the promises made by Benazir Bhutto.

Bilawal will contest the upcoming general election from the stronghold NA-246 constituency in Lyari. A similar incident was witnessed on Saturday as he visited Lyari to inaugurate his election office in the area when several angry protesters chanted slogans against him.