The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) must seriously weigh the possibility of switching to the opposition benches if he hopes to make breakthroughs in Punjab and have a chance to fight in the next general elections, say the senior PPP officials, stressing that "No one will give us the Prime Minister’s slit on a silver platter". In the midst of dissatisfaction simmering in the ranks of the parties on its ambivalent posture – being neither fully in government nor really in opposition – a media report said that the PPP had agreed to join the federal firm under pressure from powerful districts. Citing anonymous sources, the report said that the ministries’ division would be settled next month. However, a senior PPP official of Punjab, addressing the Express PK Press Club, said that he was not aware of such a development, although he did not entirely exclude the possibility. When they have been approached for official comments, the PPP strongly denied reports, calling them baseless and reiterating that such rumors regularly force the party to issue clarifications. Addressing the Express PK Press Club, the former federal minister and information secretary of the PPP, Shazia Marri, said that the party had made no decision to join the federal cabinet. Calling the report "simple conjecture" And "A pure and simple lie," She pointed out that the PPP follows an internal process structured for decision -making. She said that if such a decision was even under study, it would have been discussed at a certain level, adding that the final authority of the party rested with the CEC. Marri added that the party had, several times in the past, had to issue similar clarifications to counter unconcetic stories. Unlike these rumors, many within the party urged leaders to officially join the opposition benches to cut more political place, in particular in Punjab, where the electoral presence of the PPP remains marginal. A senior Punjab official said, "If this trajectory continues, Bilawal Bhutto will have no chance of becoming the next PM". Noting that the PML-N was comfortably nestled with the establishment, he asked why the powers, which would play on a new party, when their current choice was exceptionally well compared to their standards.
"The next line is Maryam Nawaz," warned. The leader noted that since PTI was a force spent under current conditions, the scenario left the large open ground for the PPP in Punjab, but only if the party has stopped riding the fence. He underlined the need to join the opposition benches if the party hoped to obtain real support for Punjab. He added that the PPP must drive in independent members who have moved away from the PTI and highlighted the need for new leadership and new faces. "The president [Bilawal] Must give more time to Punjab, walk in its streets and meet ordinary people," He said. "It is played as a violin with false hopes to become the next PM. Without Punjab, there is no hope."
According to the same leader, the establishment no longer even needs PML-N. "They obtained the blessing of the world establishment, which actually relegated the role of the Prime Minister and its coterie."
Another senior party figure agreed, saying that remaining an ally cost the public good will PPP.
"People often say that we are part of the government because we occupy constitutional positions. It becomes very difficult to explain how we are not in power. For an ordinary person, we are in government."
He said that the party should possibly consider moving in opposition. Citing results from recent elections in Punjab, he noted that the result reflected what the PPP should expect in future competitions. He recalled how the information secretary of the Nadeem AFZAL GONDAL party had also admitted during a press conference that the PPP alliance with PML-N had cost them their seat. Former Punjab goalkeeper and political analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi noted that the PPP’s strategy to take advantage of the best of both worlds was prejudicial to his prospects.
"PPP has no chance of training the next government in this way," He said, urging the party to engage in a real policy based on problems in Punjab.
"PML-N will not give up any space at the PPP in Punjab. This province remains a painful thumb for the PPP."
He said PPP should articulate clear questions relevant to Punjab. "PPP cannot sell “Jiye Bhutto” here. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto gained popularity because he became the voice of the lowest layers of Punjab."
Askari stressed that the party is expected to leave the government, including the abandonment of the presidency and start the policy based on basic problems. "Despite Maryam’s best efforts, there remains a lot of alienation among the public in Punjab, which gives a certain opening to an opposition."
Asked about the lack of political traction of the PPP in Punjab, Shazia Marri recognized the importance of the province. "There are a few shortcomings and we don’t deny them," She said, adding that the recent advocacy trip from Bilawal Bhutto had won hearts even among Gen Z. "It is necessary to capitalize on this feeling."
On the question of joining the opposition, she said, "We are an independent part without commitment or long-term understanding with PML-N. If the government continues to meet our expectations or even near them, we will continue to support it. Otherwise, our options remain open."
"For the moment, we want to play the role of a constructive ally as we did during the financing bill," She added.
