“If Imran Khan plays his cards carefully, his party can bag more seats than PML-N in the centre,” says PPP’s Central Punjab chapter president. ILLUSTRATION: JAMAL KHURSHID
OKARA: While Imran Khan is drawing huge crowds on his campaign trail, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) predicts that his party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could form the next coalition government at the centre. He also foresees the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz as coalition partners in Punjab.
“The PPP could also offer Imran Khan the office of prime minister in the coalition government,” Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, the president of PPP’s central Punjab chapter, told The Express Tribune in a candid interview on Sunday in Okara where he was on a campaign trail. Wattoo is contesting the May 11 elections from three constituencies: NA-147, NA-148 and PP-188.
“If Imran Khan plays his cards carefully, his party can bag more seats than PML-N in the centre,” he said. Manzoor Wattoo, whose party successfully completed its five-year constitutional term in office, predicted a ‘hung Parliament’ as a result of the upcoming election. He believes no political party could win a simple majority, either in the centre or in the provinces.
“If the PPP outvotes its rivals [in the centre], we’ll invite the PTI to form a coalition government,” he added. “If the PPP can join hands with the ANP, JUI-F and MQM, it can also form a coalition with Imran Khan,” he said referring to the last coalition government that his party led for five years. He added that President Asif Ali Zardari believed in political reconciliation.
Asked about PPP’s strategy for Punjab, Wattoo said even if his party retained the seats it had won in the 2008 elections, it would be better placed to form a coalition government in the province. “We can join hands with PML-N if the party wins enough seats in Punjab,” he added.
Wattoo claimed that after the 2008 elections, too, the PPP could easily form a coalition government with the help of 40 independent legislators in Punjab. But President Zardari invited the PML-N to form the government because he wanted to give the Sharif brothers a chance to revive their party in the province.
However, he was noncommittal when asked if his party would offer the chief minister slot to the PML-N in a coalition government. “I’m also contesting for a provincial assembly seat [PP-188]. And this is not without a reason,” he said, dropping a broad hint that he could be the party’s choice for the office, if voted to power in the province. Wattoo served as the chief minister of Punjab three times between 1993 and 1996, though he couldn’t complete his term on all three occasions.
Asked why the PPP was not considering the PTI for a coalition government in Punjab, Wattoo said that Imran’s party was focusing more on winning National Assembly seats.
Wattoo is upbeat about the electoral victory of his party – and he has reasons for this optimism. “Whenever three popular parties are in the race, the PPP gets the benefit,” he said, adding that PPP’s ideological voters would never vote for any other party.
Criticizing Nawaz Sharif for his ‘obduracy’ and ‘political intolerance’, Wattoo said that in politics one has to be flexible and accommodating. “PPP’s successful election strategy has put the PML-N on the back foot. This is why today the entire Sharif family is out in the field, campaigning for their candidates,” he said.
While its rivals – especially the PML-N and PTI – are staging huge public rallies across the country, the PPP is relying on the media for its election campaign. But Wattoo defended his party’s strategy, saying that they were focusing on technology for conveying their message to voters.
“We are relying on the media, including social media, because it’s a fast, quick and efficient way to communication. Even in the United States, the media is used for election campaigns,” he said. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would soon address public meetings via video link.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2013.
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I also believe that this crook has happily accepted some heavy bribe from PML-N to talk this trash just days before the elections to give an impression that PPP & PTI are in coalition. That to turn voters sympathies towards PML-N. Wattoo is a a new bribed undercover PML-N supporter.
I agree with Ammar Hussain Khan. PPP playing this strategy to ill-repute IK's campaign at this crucial time just days before the elections to tarnish PTI's image & turn voters' favor towards PML-N or PPP. As both of these parties already have the corrupt alliance, votes strength of any will support the current set up of government for the next 5 years.
IK should keep its promise of not getting into alliance with any party which was part of last Govt. alliances make govt to compromise-avoid it or keep it to a small one or two.
IK has already proved himself as a key player of PPP team by punching only PML-N, actually these elections are 1 Vs All. On the one side there's PML-N and on the other hand PPP+PTI+MQM+Q-League+Qadri-League+ANP. These all parties are campaigning against PML-N you will hardly listen any word against each other so the picture is very much clear.
PTI and PPP have lost the battle. PML N will win with very clear majority on May 11.
PPP always criticized Punjab Government. Imran also criticizes Punjab Government. Zardari never criticized government of other 3 provinces. Imran also does not criticize governments of other 3 provinces. Whata bad role being played by Imran. How can we say that he is an honest man. Imran is just fooling the nation.
@Tabassum Khalil: I am so glad that you are not a judge. Not that there is a dearth of such judges who hear one thing and jump to another conclusion without hearing all concerned and then weighing the evidence. Wattoo says that PPP would be prepared to have a coalition with IK. From there how do you arrive at the conclusion that an underhand deal has been done?
Finally it is proved that Imran has made an underhand deal with PPP. Imran always tells a lie.
It means watto sb accepted his party performance during previous 5 years term, no chance to get the top slot again
Voting for PTI means voting for PPP. No wise man can do this mistake. Imran has made a secret electoral alliance with PPP.
@sohaib: What you are saying is not backed by any fact and could be called slander which is a crime and a sin. Those who say that voting for PTI re-inforces PPP could with as much logic also say that voting for PMLN takes away PTI votes and reinforces other contestants. PMLN has shown itself to be just as poor unfriendly as PPP. Why should PTI or anyone else prefer one to the other?
Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarian will disown Asif Zardari leadership , Imran Khan will do a coalition with PPPP which will be headed by Rabbani sb . And This is exclusive info.
Each vote casted in favour of PTI will benefit PPP. People should not do this mistake. Imran is just fooling with nation just to disturb vote bank of PML-N as desired by Establishment.
@Faizan: I hope you do not support choosing personal pride (ego) over what may be an altogether excellent way forward for Pakistan?
PPP is a liberal, secular, leftist party - in my book these are excellent qualifications but completely blotted by feudalism, incompetence and eye-watering corruption. PTI is a rightist, jirga loving, TTP apologist, women's seats abolishing conservative party - bad things in my book but overshadowed by IKs personal honesty and humanitarianism. Despite a soft corner for Shahbaz Sharif's Metro I believe PMLN and PML remain self serving, hypocritical, smug and arrogant. They have a smidgeon of governing ability but their hypocrisy turns my stomach. IK keeping PPP honest and PPP reining in PTI's misogyny would make a dream team for the country unless egos get in the way.
@Sheda Tulli: actuakkly it is not IK who said that but dear leader Nawaz Sharif lol
@asim: so is NS and SS, not to mention Zaradri :)
Imran khan will win majority of his 30 to 40 from Punjab thats why he is speaking against PML-N to bag more seats from Punjab because he knows that he cannot win enough seats from Sindh due to the strong presence of PPP and it will take time to defeat them for Imran khan. It's all political strategy.
All bullshits about Imran that he is playing in the hands of Zardari to damage sharifs. Imran is a man who never fixed a match. He can make mistakes but never greed like both brothers nawaz and zardari. I am not sure about his clean sweep but he will give tough time to both power hunger culprits.
@Bunty: Imran has not accepted the offer bro...I think PPP is trying to woo voters by offering PM post to IK. Now WHO IS LOSING?
@khalid Mahmood: What did PPP do to stem the tide? Where did PPP even perform other than in the field of open loot?
Will you quit being "Jazbatti" over random news pieces. Do you really think IK is fighting for PM house or presidency? PTI is not forming any coalition. You think the youth will let PTIs senior leadership do that? They'll eat them raw and alive!! Secondly, these are just defaming tactics so PPP and PMLN can bag a couple extra votes... Remember people have already made up their mind.
@A. Khan: Imran gives examples of western democracies but remember the case of Monica and clinton and many others the leaders quit politics even on allegations; why Imran is not following the west in this regard???? Imran back ground is known to all
Ha ha! Guys, I'm will not be watching election results but only to see how the Master Chess Player AZ is going to turn the table in his favor. I'm pretty sure ha can and he will. He has proved himself in last 5 years. Not only he deserve an honorary degree of "Master of Chaos" but now has a Doctorate in it too. Real fun will start after the election. In AZ's eyes election results are out, only novice are waiting for the numbers. He is busy spinning large fish-net for the Big Catch i.e, to catch the fish that already swallowed all the shrimp and the sardines in the water__ he is after the sharks and the whales I mean. Am I wrong Mr President? So what is your favorite cooler during the "political brain storming episodes"? Jow ka Sattoo ya Baara maghaz ka Sharbat. I know you, you know! And I like that! Good Luck! Can't wait to read your memoires, ha ha ha!
Coalition between PPP and PML-N in Punjab. ahaaan. MUK MUKA. on a serious note. who take these guys seriously. I mean comeon people like Watto, Rehman Malik, Rana Sanaullah, Raja Raiz cannot be taken seriously. These are just political statements. Nobody knows wat's gonna happen after the elections. "POLITICS MAKE STRANGE BED FELLOWS"
PTI will not win even single seat in Sindh. They will only clean sweep if elections are held on Facebook.
PPP has decided to lay down arms well before fighting the war.
Wattoo sb, this is not the Abbott and Costello routine here; your party will lose badly so how is your party willing to offer PM slot to Imran. You are not the custodian of the PM slot nor the protector of the system. In fact you have destroyed the system, however handicapped it was.
so Cat is out of the bag...
I think Wattoo Sahib and Imran Khan can bring some moderation and civility to the country, otherwise the country will go into the hands of Taliban, and the country might become like Syria, Iran etc God forbid, amen.
So many PML (N) trolls on this forum :S Looks like PML (N)'s election campaigns are not running too smoothly, so now they're relying on social media 'trolling tactics.'
inshallah the whole world will witness NAYA Pakistan under the supervision of IK.
@sohaib. I think that all PML N, PPP and PTI supporters need to understand that we are all pakistanis and for us our country comes first. So, instead of dragging our feet on Imran vs Nawa vs Zardari convtroversy, we should think and honesstly vote for the party that can serve pakistan the best at this hour of crises.
PPP is doing politics of words. They want to make this nation confuse. Can you see they put Imran Khan and N league both in one line. So, that voter get confuse, whats happening ?. Wahoo !!.
Watto Sb, you think we are dumb. I know your party and your leader very well. This is just a political statement in order to play with mind and pulse of the people. Sorry Sir, its 2013
This is the best way to confuse Voters. Why this news is just on ET, strange. Guys, can you smell that something is fishy :)
strong textWhen IK says PML-N helped Zardari, he is out of his mind. Why would PML-N have sacrificed all lucrative ministries few days after the elections?
Imran Khan Zardari Bhai Bhai.emphasized text
@sohaib: you ain't know nothing yet.
and i know that Imran khan is PPP backed and infact doing a great job for Mr. Zardari!
IK will never bow down to anyone for the sake of coming into power! Is watto really dumb or he thinks people are?
i regularly pose this questions to my friends what would PPP do to save their skin when Inshallah PTI will come into power in less than 2 weeks time. next 10 days are very interesting and will probably see some PPP members going abroad for medical check up for never to return back, hence self imposed exile.
..........who said there is no comic relief in these electioneering days.
What nonsense. IK will NEVER EVER form coalition with PPP. Wattoo's statements are nothing but a bunch of lies and totally misleading. 1 year ago, they were making fun of Mr. Khan. Now they they are talking of forming governments. PPP and PMLN, your standards change but not PTI's. VOte for PTI, vote for Pakistan. People talking about article 62/63. I have seen people who drink, gamble, do all kinds of things that religion probits, talking about these atricles. What a shame! IK is a 1000 times better than all of you. I know him personally. He is honest and sincere.
It won't be a surprise if PTI join hands with PPP against PMLN
Haha it won't be a surprise if PTI join hands with PPP and rest against PMLN!
@Saima Jabeen: it's better to have a hung parliament than have a PML N heavy mandate parliament. Last time they had heavy mandate our country was in tatters.
Guys, he is a nut cracker. Really, he need to examine his mind
Look at this statement
'PPP’s successful election strategy has put the PML-N on the back foot. This is why today the entire Sharif family is out in the field, campaigning for their candidates '
PPP can see writing on the WALL. One can justify credibility of this whole debate hahaha
This statement in itself is a testament that status quo has conceded defeat and has realized it fully that they cannot stop the tsunami of youth. ball is no more in their court now. there they come down to do what they do best. use cheap tricks......
Its Seems Like PPPP has already accepted its defeat. so they are ready to join any one who gives them Few positions in the next Government. and in this way they can keep alive the corruption and themselves too.
Mr. Watoo, Grow-up. and stop trying to prove a view that Mr. zardari and IK is a one team, as said by Mian nawaz sharif. stil helping out PML-N ?? its epic fail you know..
I beleive, IK will reply to your statement soon.
Mr Watoo. In presence of PML(N) and PTI. You still forsee yourself in Punjab. I think you better need a medical help. Neither PML(N), nor PTI is that fool that they make alliance with PPP. Who wants his political career to drain in gutter by joining PPP ?. In worst case, PML(N) and PTI can join hands for better interest of this nation and they will
PML(N) trolls, if somebody comes out and say anything. You will believe it. I think you all missed one statement 'He also foresees the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz as coalition partners in Punjab'. Whats this ?. Any PML(N) troll who want to answer this question :)
Death! than alliance with PPP is better
Since the PPP has lost the stick now it is throwing a carrot for the NA to IK and for the Punjab PA to PML-N. It is clever policy of keeping its options open for coming back in power. Do not count PPP out as the PPP vote bank is solid whereas the PML-N vote bank could split between PTI and PML-N, giving PPP "enexpected" victory even in the Punjab. So take it easy for now and do not make any rash predictions. But no matter who wins, the problems of Pakistan are not easy to redress. However, best of luck to whoever forms the government. Congratulations if the next government succeeds, condolences, if it does not.
Mr.Wattoo will you be in a position make someone an offer & that too Imran Khan??? CRAP!!!
See that... yah dono mily huy han...... A vote for PTI is the vote for PPP
Finally the CAT IS OUTTA BAG.. PTI is PPP B-Team...
Mr. Wattoooo.... Even if you make coalition with PML-N, ANP and MQM, you will still be sitting on opposition benches :)
This is clear now, Imran Khan & PTI is the team "B" of PPP.
@asim:
The same goes for Nawaz...my brother...
Every vote for PTI is a vote for PPP and a weak government and this planning by PTI and PPP should be clear now. Question to PTI supporters...is your love for Imran Khan more than your hate for PPP? Please think deeply before answering.
@all Niralas
“We can join hands with PML-N if the party wins enough seats in Punjab,” he added.
Voting PML-N means, another 5 years of Zardari!!!
Imran is also favorite of Nwaz and Shahbaz but they are reluctant to speak up in public.
Seems like PPP are finally coming to accept the fact that PTI will Insha Allah clean sweep the elections (something which PML-N doubts)..... Well its only a matter of time before all will come know that 2013 is the year of Imran!!!
It is enough for PTI fans to open their eyes. PTI is helping PPP for a hung parliament. Vote for PML-N.
And insane trolls laugh when sane people say that IK is Zardari's last and the only line of defense remaining.
@Asim there is no article 62/32...law is for being a member of legislative and Imran Khan has been cleared.
Forgot it we are not begging for pm imran if Allah wants he will bring him in power
Muk-muka?????
The PPP has seen the writing on the wall and wants to remain in the saddle by crook and not by hook. Therefore, a hardworking and honest man is the target of cahoots to enter into their cohorts This unrelenting trait of the PPP and PMLN to grab wealth through power and let the country rot and decay, is too much to digest and tolerance has a limit.
If Imran does form, a government then let it be with other smaller parties or with stringent terms and conditions. Otherwise, more corruption and poverty will besmear the country. As it is the government's writ does not extend to parts of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Baluchistan and 'no go' areas of Karachi. What more can a terrorist ask for. Salams
This statement by senior PPP leader confirms that they are finding themselves in very critical condition and they have realized that PTI cannot be taken for granted at any cost, because at the end of the day it will be Imran Khan who would prove to be the biggest "King Maker" so PPP has already started playing the post result politics because in politics nothing is impossible as no one is permanent friends nor enemy.
Keep on dreaming, Mr. Wattoo.. PPP is history!!
Nice strategy on PPP's part to fool the people that PTI and PPP might have some backdoor negotiations and then make PMLN get a bit stronger than PTI thus giving some bargaining chips to the PPP. The majority is not going to be fooled Mr. Wattoo!
So the cat is out of the bag! Shahbaz Sharif was right. Voting khan means another 5 years of PPP.
Smart move to keep Imran fighting a lost battle.
@asim: If there was any law, then BB, NS would never have been PM and AZ would never have been president.
This reaction from main parties shows that they are running scared of PTI. Well, they have only themselves to blame.
No Mr. Wattoo. Its not who PPP decides to form the government with, its who PTI or PMLN decide to form the government with. There's a difference.
Wattoo thinks Imran Khan is another PMLn who is ready to sell themselves but he is totally wrong. Imran will never sell his principles for power.
PPP and PTI Atlast the Great Alliance has been exposed!!!!!!!
This is just ridiculous! Imran Khan has declared war against the status quo. The elections haven't come and are already showing signs of defeat...PAKISTAN WILL BRING PTI INTO POWER! GOODBYE LIES and HELLO NAYA PAKISTAN!
Mr. Wattoo, are you out of your mind? I am sure you are living in fool's paradise, better spend your energies in getting PPP a two digit number of seats. I don't think they can get more than 10 seats in these elections.
PPP is clearly conceding ground to PTI and foresee their own defeat. I was doubtful a month ago but now I think there is real chance that Imran would be ruling this country next month.
Keep dreaming Mr. Wattoo, since IK making alliance with you is not happening for the next 1000 years
Not the first time IK has been offered PMship and not the last. Wattoo is a nobody and so is PPP. After the next elections, PML-N and PPP will hardly have any seats in the whole NA. This elections will be the death of these two parties, so they are in no position to make offers.
Being the PTI supporter i THANKS to Mr WATTOO and i belive my LEADER NEVER NEVER ACCEPT "PPP" offer.. I K ZINDABAD .
I know the answer of my Leader! :)
What a pity, he think Imran Khan is doing everything for the sake of gaining power and he is trying to compare Imran Khan with all the greedy, opportunist and advantage taker politicians. I wish he could see the truth, passion, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and vision of Imran Khan before making this offer to him. I am sorry Mr Wotto, Imran Khan is priceless and you are knocking on the wrong door, go and try some where else these cheap tactics, spare us please.
If there is any law in pakistan Imran is unable to attain the public office as per article 62/32 and his background