PPP Leader Criticizes Government Policies, Announces Election Strategy
PPP Leader Criticizes Government Policies, Announces Election Strategy
LAHORE: General Secretary Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab Syed Hassan Murtaza on Thursday said that the coalition in federal government and Punjab is facing multiple challenges, while the PPP has suffered significant losses due to its policy of reconciliation. However, he emphasized that the party prioritized national stability and endured these setbacks for the country's sake.
He was addressing a press conference on
the current political situation, electoral preparations, and government policies.
Murtaza announced that the PPP will contest elections in two national constituencies of Central Punjab and one provincial constituency of Mianwali.
He said due to increasing public support, four candidates from NA-129 and two from NA-66 have already submitted their nomination papers.
He also highlighted that from NA 129 two female candidates Tahira Habib Jalib and Advocate Farhat Noor have submitted their nomination papers.
He said that preparations for by-elections are complete, and the party will run its campaign using its own resources. Once tickets are issued by the parliamentary board, nominated candidates will begin their campaigns. Notifications for legal, media, electoral, and liaison committees are also being issued.
Murtaza stated that ideological differences and a lack of communication have further complicated the political landscape.
Criticizing the government, Murtaza said that providing security for pilgrims during Arbaeen is the government's responsibility, not imposing restrictions. He demanded the immediate reopening of land routes and the right of pilgrims to visit holy sites. He added that whenever he advises the government, its spokespersons react aggressively, but this is not mere advice—it is a Pakistani citizen’s demand for immediate aid to those affected by climate disasters.
Speaking on farmers' issues, he stated that farmers are not a "mafia" but an oppressed class whose rights are exploited every year. He accused authorities of suppressing farmers' protests over water shortages with force, even drowning their voices in floodwaters. He demanded that flood-hit regions be declared disaster zones immediately and compensation be ensured for crops destroyed across thousands of acres.
Murtaza urged the government to "stop speaking half-truths and half-lies." He said that instead of targeting entire institutions, action should be taken only against corrupt bureaucrats, as labeling the entire civil service as corrupt is unjust.
He appealed to PPP workers to set aside personal differences and unite for the by-elections. Criticizing the Election Commission, he called it controversial and accused it of influencing past election results. He argued that counting the third-positioned candidate in Form 47 is illogical, while highlighting PPP’s improved performance in the Sambrial by-election compared to previous contests.
"Ideologies may weaken but cannot be erased," Murtaza asserted, reaffirming PPP’s commitment to issue-based politics. He stressed dialogue over violence, stating that while people have the right to preferences, he does not have the luxury of choosing his political stance.
Praising Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, he said Bilawal has effectively advocated for Pakistan on international platforms. Murtaza reiterated that the PPP will never support derailing the system to impose prolonged authoritarianism. He opposed PTI’s protests and road blockades, particularly during national events or foreign dignitaries' visits, questioning PTI’s motives for associating itself with such occasions.
Murtaza accused those who exploit farmers of funds of labeling the PPP as a "mafia." With elections approaching, he vowed that the PPP would actively mobilize on the streets.
The press conference was attended by several PPP leaders, including Usman Malik, Rana Jawad, Chaudhry Aslam Gill, Mian Ayub, Allama Yousaf Awan, Chaudhry Akhtar, Chaudhry Ashraf, Ahsan Rizvi, Rana Jamil Manj, Haji Aziz-ur-Rehman Chan, Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, Bushra Manzoor Maneka, Amjad Jatt, Zahid Zulfiqar, Asif Nagra, Atif Rafiq Chaudhry, Meer Shakeel Chini, Arif Khan, Nasir Khan, Chaudhry Riaz, Aamir Nasir Butt, Sadaqat Sherwani, Basharat Siddiqui, Masood Malik, Dr. Rafiq, Aslam Gara, Zia Nagra, Tahir Ghalib, Rao Khalid, and Agha Taqi.
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