PPP will hold long march if demands not accepted, says Bilawal

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Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman atop the PPP float. ─ DawnNews
Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, and PPP Senator Sherry Rehman atop the PPP float. ─ DawnNews

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while holding a rally in Karachi on Sunday said the PPP will hold a long march unless the prime minister accepts their demands.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was holding the rally to rich tribute to the victims of the 2007 Karsaz attack. More than 125 people were killed in twin blasts on October 18, 2007, as the party held a rally to welcome former prime minister Benazir Bhutto to Pakistan.

Bilawal, while addressing a sizeable crowd, demanded that the incumbent government appoint a foreign minister immediately.

The PPP chairman also demanded that the resolution presented during former president Asif Zardari's tenure regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) be implemented to ensure all provinces get equal benefits.

Speaking in reference to the Panama Leaks, Bilawal demanded from Nawaz to accept the bill presented by the PPP in the assembly.

"If our demands are not met, we will launch a long march on December 27," said the chairman of PPP.

Earlier, addressing the rally, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said, "We are here to pay tribute to martyrs of the Karsaz attack."

"BB's son is amongst you. I have brought change to Sindh, I am bringing change to the party and if you side with me, then we will also bring change to Pakistan."

"Together we will complete BB's unfinished mission," he vowed.

"We will together bring freedom from terrorism, for Kashmiris, from poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, sectarianism, from the caretakers of religion — and bring freedom from 'Takht-i-Raiwind'."

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is leading the rally, accompanied by former prime ministers Yousuf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervez Ashraf, Chief Minster Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, provincial mister Manzoor Wassan, Senator Sherry Rehman and other central leaders.

Tens of thousands of party activists are participating in the rally, taken out two days prior to Oct 18.

The PPP rally has commenced from Bilawal House and will pass through Boat Basin, Mai Kolachi, ICI Chowk, Kakri Ground, Lea Market, Napier Road, Denso Hall, M.A. Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Shahrah-i-Quaideen on its way to Karsaz.

Traffic diversion plan

The traffic police issued a traffic diversion plan in view of the rally.

Those wishing to reach airport from Sharea Faisal should take Korangi route via FTC Bridge. People proceeding to Clifton from Gulshan-i-Iqbal should use Shaheed-i-Millat Road, said the plan.

"From the airport, people wishing to reach Saddar should turn right towards Rashid Minhas Road and use Stadium Road and pass through People’s Chowrangi. Those who want to reach Clifton and Defence from the airport should make use of the route from Shah Faisal Colony and Korangi Industrial Area. Those travelling to the airport from Nazimabad should make use of the Nipa and Drigh Road routes."

According to the plan, those who want to reach Ziauddin Hospital in Clifton should use Seaview and China Chowrangi route. Citizens travelling to South City Hospital should make use of the Bahria underpass route. People intending to reach the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre from Landhi and Korangi should use Korangi Road and CSD service lane.

Karsaz carnage

Over 125 participants of a procession led by former prime minister Benazir Bhutto upon her return to the country lost their lives on Oct 18 after two powerful blasts rocked the slow-moving motorcade edging its way past the Karsaz bridge, on Sharea Faisal.

At least 100 people were injured in the explosions.

Read more: Benazir survives midnight carnage: Twin blasts cast shadow over homecoming

Below is historic footage recorded the day of the Karsaz attack.

Warning: the videos may contain graphic scenes

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