PPP seeks to forge coalition govt with allies: Kundi

Takes swipe at PML-N for abandoning 'vote ko izzat do' narrative

KARACHI:

 

PPP Central Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said the party intended to forge a coalition government with its allies in the upcoming general elections. The statement came as the party is busy manoeuvring to cobble up its own electoral alliances in the wake of the PML-N's efforts to make a foray into the PPP's turf -- Sindh -- and other provinces to solidify its political footing.

The party has also formed committees to open communication lines with key national and provincial figures to negotiate seat adjustments and potential alliances. In a statement, Kundi took a swipe at the PML-N, the party's former ally, casting doubt on their electoral prospects despite their previous 16-month governance.

Highlighting the PML-N's performance during its reign in Punjab, Kundi pointed out its failure to secure a single seat out of 20 in the by-elections as opposed to PPP's success on the seats they contested. "They are striving to become a new ‘ladla’ (blue-eyed party)," Kundi alleged, warning against unfavourable consequences for the nation if such a situation was to arise again.

Read ECP likely to unveil polls schedule by Dec 5

Expressing hopes for a fair electoral process, the PPP leader emphasised the importance of a free and unbiased election conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Addressing Nawaz Sharif's role and rhetoric, Kundi mentioned the apparent disparity between his talk of respecting the vote and the reality on the ground, suggesting that the essence of "vote ko izzat do" (respect the vote) had been abandoned.

“Nawaz has left behind his ‘vote ko izzat do’ narrative back in the Avenfield House,” he quipped. Referring to the PML-N's grand rally last month in Lahore, Kundi dubbed the event as "sponsored", claiming that the PML-N was disappointed despite its efforts. He shared that the party would commemorate its 56th foundation day with PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari leading the celebrations in Quetta.

Both Bilawal and former president Asif Zardari are scheduled to address the party workers during the event, where plans for the election strategy in Quetta will be unveiled. Kundi praised Zardari for initiating the Aghaz-e-Haqooq Balochistan package, which he credited with initiating development in Balochistan.

Read more ECP begins compiling final list of constituencies

He also highlighted the significance of Zardari's role in inaugurating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly emphasising its impact on Balochistan. The statement also underscored PPP's focus on addressing common people's issues, highlighting significant wage increments for employees and the construction of two million houses in flood-affected regions of Sindh.

Additionally, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari's involvement in the election campaign was confirmed, with Kundi expressing confidence in her ability to fulfil any responsibilities assigned to her by the party.