PPP sends a ‘message to powerful circles'
As the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Wednesday took out a protest rally in Lahore against the rising electricity prices, well-placed sources within the party revealed that the move packed a message to the powerful circles that the party was no pushover.
Led by the central Punjab leadership, the rally commenced at the Lahore press club and culminated at Faisal Chowk, drawing attention to the rampant price hikes and inflated electricity bills. A senior party leader from Punjab revealed that if permitted by top leadership, such protests against inflation might persist.
However, speaking on the condition of anonymity, a party insider clarified that the rally, along with other actions such as the demand for elections within 90 days, as prescribed by the constitution, positioned the PPP as guardians of the law and protectors of the masses. However, the agenda also served another purpose tied to the party's survival.
The party had a falling-out with the establishment, an open secret known to all. But now, the PPP was pushing back to secure a stronger position at the negotiation table. Its intention is to acquire a favourable bargaining chip on a high table with a position of power.
He further disclosed that the flip-flop over elections within 90 days was not an inadvertent move.
Before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting, the party leadership had reached a prior agreement that their stronghold in Sindh, similar to Punjab's PML-N, would remain intact during the interim setup. “This is what, amongst other things, become the reason for our support.”
However, the other side reneged on the deal, leading to a massive reshuffling in Sindh to offset PPP’s control. Consequently, PPP was taken aback when caretaker CM Sindh Justice (retd) Baqir seemingly started serving the interests of the powerful entity.
“We thought caretaker CM Sindh Justice (retd) Baqir was our man.”
Nonetheless, he admitted that that much of what was happening was also due to the party’s missteps. He recalled that the first few seeds of discord between Bilawal Bhutto and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) were sown by the former’s “mood swings”.
‘Unlike PTI, PPP has the nerves’
The source within the party leadership went on to disclose that the PPP was vehemently opposing delay, as in an unfavourable environment in Sindh for the prolonged period this caretaker functions, their party would remain vulnerable.
“Any new experiment to the likes of IPP and PTIP cannot be ruled out. The party would want ultimately try to patch things up with the establishment as without them there were chances of returning back to power even in Sindh,” he pointed out.
He explained that the reasons for their protestation were to show the establishment that the party was no pushover and unlike PTI, it had the nerves to fight back.
He also recalled the hardships the party braved during the reign of former military dictator Zia-ul-Haq.
The party also faced a setback from within as some in Punjab wanted the party to enter into any seat adjustment arrangement with PML-N and ended up publicly supporting it more than what was necessary in hopes of favours from them, he added.
He said the issue of the next premier was also somewhat a bone of contention as "the most powerful man" in the country wants Shehbaz Sharif to take the reins of the country for the second time as premier.
“Shehbaz Sharif during his stint has proven his worth to him by fulfilling all their orders and by showering them with praises on all their illegal and illogical proposals.”
The party insider said that the heads of both PML-N and PPP did not agree to it, adding that Shehbaz was also playing with his brother Nawaz Sharif by offering him false assurances. He said that Shehbaz was determined to chart his own course, not wanting to be seen as “number two of Nawaz Sharif”.
“The establishment too sees him as a very obedient person.”
He said that if push comes to shove, the party can even approach Nawaz Sharif to make him realize that he was being played by his brother but that could turn out to be a very costly move, as that would mean inviting the wrath of the establishment.
He said that PPP would want to work something out with the powerful, to ensure the smooth running of affairs, adding that the party might even consider the same arrangement as before.
A senior party leader from Sindh said that PPP would not lose in Sindh, no matter what scheme is employed. He said that though if free and fair elections are held PTI would be the leading party in Punjab.
He said that PPP, has other options with them, besides the two (as mentioned above). He said that though party would ensure a smooth working relationship with all as was necessary for the betterment of the country. He said that there was a section in the party that lobbied against this caretaker CM.
He said that some including him were rallying for another candidate and even got the establishment to green-light it, but the party leadership picked a Baqir, which is turning out to be a mistake. Changes were being brought to harm them in their home province.
The Punjab situation was different as PML-N wanted a quid pro quo. “They want the same number of seat adjustments in Sindh for themselves as PPP would seek in Punjab, which is not acceptable.”
Regarding the prevailing sentiment that the party needs former President Zardari to lead the party in Punjab and otherwise, he said that Zardari’s presence would help turn things around in Punjab but overall, Bilawal Bhutto was the new face of PPP and that must remain the same.
To verify the veracity of claims made by PPP leaders, the party’s information secretary, Faisal Kareem Kundi, was reached but he was not available for comments.