Ishratul Ebad invited to join PPP

The former governor has held several meetings with Zardari in Dubai

KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has offered former Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan to join the party, it has been learnt.

Sources in PPP revealed that several meetings had taken place between the former Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) leader and ex-president Asif Ali Zardari in Dubai, adding that Ebad had shown interest in joining the party.



“PPP wants to regain its roots in Karachi and the former governor can play a role in this regard. Zardari has offered him a Senate ticket if he joins the party,” sources said, adding that governor has sought more time because he is waiting for a response from some quarters.

Sources privy to the development told The Express Tribune that Ebad has been assured a key post in the upcoming caretaker setup before the general elections due to take place next year. It is because of the offer that the former governor is delaying his decision to join PPP.



“The former governor visits Zardari in Dubai every day and was also present in a recent meeting of PPP ministers held on Sunday,” a senior party leader, who recently visited Dubai requesting not to be named, said.



He added that former interior minister Rehman Malik was playing a key role in bridging the gap between PPP and Dr Isratul Ebad.

Ebad was the youngest and longest serving Governor of Sindh since Pakistan’s inception—14 years and resigned from his post last year in November 9.

“Large numbers of Urdu speaking people are joining PPP in Karachi which can be linked to understanding between both,” he said referring to former MQM activists from Baldia Town, Orangi and Korangi who recently joined PPP a few days ago.

PPP former information advisor and Sindh Information Secretary Maula Bux Chandio said that his party’s doors are open for everyone and they will welcome if the ex-governor decides to join. “Honestly, I have no idea about this development,” he said.



On the other, a close aide of Dr Ishratul Ebad said that the former governor is expected to arrive in Karachi by February 24 and is likely to hold meetings with the business community, officials, chief minister and other notables.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2017.