The PPP, which has been cautious about criticizing the PML-N, will convene a meeting of its Central Executive Committee (CEC) to chart its future course of action in light of the unprecedented concessions being granted to its former ally.
In a conversation with The Express Tribune, PPP spokesperson Faisal Kareem Kundi stated, “If elections are to be held to bring a specific party [the PML-N] to power, it would be more practical to simply hand them the throne and avoid wasting billions of rupees on a sham process.”
He noted that PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has admitted that they have “managed things”. However, he said that the people of the country will reject this selection process if it occurs.
Referring to PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif's return to Pakistan after obtaining protective bail from the courts and the provincial government's decision to suspend his sentence in a corruption case, Kundi remarked, “One ladla [blue-eyed boy] has been replaced with another”.
Previously, the PPP, as well as some other political parties, used to refer to PTI chief and former prime minister Imran Khan as the “ladla” of the establishment. Imran was ousted from power following a vote of no-confidence in April 2022 and is currently detained in Adiala Jail.
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Kundi expressed hope that Nawaz Sharif would not compromise the narrative about the sanctity of the vote and would respect his party's struggle for vote supremacy. He emphasized that the PPP would continue to demand a level playing field in elections.
“Our party will not back down from this demand. We will hold a CEC meeting to determine our future course of action in light of the above,” he said.
When asked about the party's measured response to the concessions granted to the PML-N and whether there was an understanding with the Sharifs, compelling them to play the role of a friendly opposition, he stated that they were not acting as a friendly opposition.
“Mian Nawaz Sharif has just returned. We will wait before giving a reaction,” he added.
Regarding the relief granted to Nawaz Sharif by the courts, he emphasized that two wrongs don't make a right. “Nawaz Sharif may have been wrongly convicted, but the favorable judgments he is receiving are not justified in any way.”
Responding to reports of PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's comments regarding dictatorship, Kundi clarified that the chairman was referring to civilian dictatorship in Pakistan, “as there is no one to stop them from doing what they desire”.
Commenting on the relief offered to the PML-N supreme leader by the courts, PPP leader Chaudhry Manzoor said that nothing has changed in the judiciary, and the entire system has collapsed.
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When asked if he sees Nawaz Sharif as the new ladla, he replied that Nawaz has always been a ladla.
He raised concerns about the upcoming general elections, stating that the 2013 and 2018 general elections became controversial afterward but the upcoming general elections have already become controversial. “What credibility will the elections have, if both the PTI and the PPP reject them?”
PPP leader Khursheed Shah reportedly urged Nawaz Sharif not to become anyone's tool. If Nawaz Sharif comes to power through the wrong path, he too will be remembered as a 'selected’ PM, he said.
PPP Provincial leader Hasan Murtaza questioned the authority of the Punjab government to suspend Nawaz's sentence. He reportedly congratulated the PML-N supreme leader for becoming a “ladla plus”.
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