Bilawal orders PPP Lahore restructuring

LAHORE:

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has instructed the party's Lahore chapter to immediately complete organisational restructuring down to the grassroots level and begin preparations for local bodies elections during a brief visit to Lahore focused largely on political engagements, condolence visits and internal party consultations.

Bilawal, who arrived in Lahore from Balochistan late Monday night without significant prior notice, held meetings with party leaders at Bilawal House after spending most of the visit offering condolences and congratulations at various residences across the city.

During discussions with Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider and Lahore chapter president Faisal Mir, the PPP chairman directed the party leadership to expedite organisational work and strengthen preparations for future local government elections.

According to party officials, Bilawal visited the residence of the Watto family to offer condolences over the demise of former federal minister and ex-chief minister Manzoor Watto. He met Watto's sons Mauzam, Khurram and Zeeshan, as well as Rubina Shaheen Watto and Jahanara Watto.

He also visited Nawab Shehzad Ali Khan, a close friend of President Asif Ali Zardari, to extend good wishes on the engagement of his daughter. Later, Bilawal visited the residence of party leader Samina Khalid Gurki to congratulate her on her son's wedding.

Following the visits, the PPP chairman returned to his residence, where Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider and Lahore chapter president Faisal Mir were summoned for a meeting on party affairs.

Central Punjab Information Secretary Shehzad Saeed Cheema also accompanied Bilawal during the visits. However, party insiders claimed that Cheema joined the governor's entourage without invitation, creating inconvenience even for the governor's team.

Sources said Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and the party's general secretary were not present in Lahore due to the near-surprise nature of the visit. According to party sources, both leaders were advised not to travel to Lahore, given the short duration of Bilawal's stay.

The son of a late governor also visited Bilawal House, though sources claimed the interaction remained limited to a photo opportunity.

During the meeting at Bilawal House, Bilawal held detailed discussions with the governor and Faisal Mir regarding party matters in Punjab. Sources said Bilawal instructed Mir to complete organisational restructuring in Lahore at the earliest and prepare the party for local bodies elections.

It was learnt that increased political activity in Lahore under the new city leadership has generated cautious optimism within the party's decision-making circles regarding a possible political revival in the provincial capital.

Party sources further claimed that Bilawal, during his visit to Samina Khalid Gurki's residence, acknowledged and appreciated Faisal Mir's efforts for the party in Lahore.

According to party insiders, Bilawal is expected to leave Lahore before Wednesday afternoon. In the coming days, he is also expected to visit G-B to campaign for PPP candidates and may hold rallies in Skardu and Ghizer.

Meanwhile, sources strongly denied reports suggesting unease within the PPP over a prospective constitutional amendment. A well-placed source said Bilawal remained fully focused on Kashmir, G-B elections and internal party affairs.