Talpur Says How PML-N Got Punjab Is Open Secret
Faryal Talpur has said how the PML-N got Punjab in the February 8, 2024 general elections was an open secret, and she has urged PPP workers to capitalise on the weakness of the PML-N led Punjab government. The PPP Women’s Wing president spoke during a week-long visit to Punjab.
Talpur met office-bearers from Lahore Rural, Kasur and Sheikhupura districts, along with civil society representatives. She told workers the PPP should make inroads in the province and prepare for the coming local government elections.
Her remarks put the focus on the PPP’s standing in Punjab. The PPP holds the presidency and runs the Sindh government, but the PML-N runs the Punjab government.
Talpur: PML-N got Punjab is an open secret
Talpur said the Punjab government was weak, and she urged party workers to take advantage of that weakness. She said the way the PML-N got Punjab in the February 8, 2024 general elections was an open secret.
She told workers to overcome despondency, strengthen grassroots organisation and prepare for the upcoming local government elections. “Political parties never cease to exist,” she said. She urged workers to come out of their homes and stand by party colleagues.
Talpur asked the Sheikhupura district president and general secretary to complete party organisation down to the ward level, and to make union council-wise preparations for the polls.
A week of meetings, and complaints inside the PPP
The meetings were not all smooth. Complaints against the provincial leadership and a breakfast controversy marred her meetings on Friday, according to party sources.
During one meeting, the PPP Kasur senior vice president complained that the Governor House was inaccessible to party leaders in their personal capacity. He said they were forced to approach the party’s general secretary or the Central Punjab office to seek access.
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan belongs to the PPP. According to party sources, Talpur called the governor, and he then arrived at the party office and met her.
During a separate meeting with Lahore Rural office-bearers, one party representative lashed out at the Central Punjab leadership for asking him to keep his remarks brief. Others also voiced concerns over the provincial leadership.
While Talpur was holding the meetings, more than a dozen party supporters gathered outside the secretariat to protest against Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza. The protest followed disciplinary action against two Lahore office-bearers over allegations of a smear campaign against Murtaza. One was denotified, while another was issued an explanation notice.
Party sources said Talpur asked Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan to look into the protest. The protesters were assured of an impartial inquiry, and a three-member committee was formed, comprising Chan, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Rana Farooq Saeed.
The PPP looks to local government polls
Talpur’s visit comes as the PPP weighs its next steps in Punjab. The party is a coalition partner at the centre, and President Asif Ali Zardari, her brother, holds the presidency. But the PPP has little ground presence in Punjab, and Talpur’s message was that the party must rebuild from the ward level up.
The PPP’s position in Punjab also shapes the debate over new provinces. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has set out the party’s position, as reported here. President Zardari’s meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was reported in our story on the President House meeting.
Naqvi has also dismissed speculation about a deal for Imran Khan, as reported here. The debate over a referendum on new provinces continues, as reported here.
Talpur is the sister of President Asif Ali Zardari and the aunt of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Frequently asked questions
What did Faryal Talpur say about the PML-N in Punjab?
She said the way the PML-N secured its mandate in Punjab in the February 8, 2024 general elections was an open secret, and she called the PML-N led Punjab government weak.
Who is Faryal Talpur?
She is the PPP Women’s Wing president, the sister of President Asif Ali Zardari and the aunt of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Why was she in Punjab?
She was on a week-long visit to Punjab, holding meetings at the party’s Central Secretariat in Lahore with office-bearers from Lahore Rural, Kasur and Sheikhupura, and with civil society representatives.
What did she ask PPP workers to do?
She asked them to strengthen grassroots organisation, complete party organisation down to the ward level, and prepare for the local government elections.
What complaints came up in her meetings?
Party workers complained about the provincial leadership and access to the Governor House, and supporters protested outside the secretariat. A three-member committee will inquire.
