PPP's Raja Pervaiz Ashraf Advocates Political Unity for National Stability in Lahore
In a significant address at the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Lahore Johar Town Office, former Prime Minister and PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf underscored the critical importance of political unity in safeguarding the country's integrity. He asserted that such unity would persist whenever necessary to protect national stability, highlighting the party's resurgence in Punjab.
PPP's Resurgence and Historical Context
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf reflected on the party's past, noting that the PPP was pushed out of Punjab's power politics through a conspiracy. However, he emphasized that unity among political forces was essential during that period to maintain national cohesion. He confidently stated that the PPP is once again regaining strength in Punjab and is poised to play a decisive role in the coming days.
He dismissed notions of the party's weakening, explaining that the political pendulum does not decide the strength of a party. Ashraf pointed out that the third generation of the PPP is actively engaged in politics, and the party is set to shape the future, carrying forward the legacy of Shaheed Bhutto under President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Warm Welcome and Organizational Efforts
Upon his arrival in Lahore, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf received an enthusiastic welcome from party workers outside Doctors Hospital, Mughal Eye Hospital, and the PPP Johar Town Office. Workers celebrated by showering flower petals on his vehicle, dancing to drum beats, and raising slogans such as Zinda Hai Bhutto Zinda Hai and Prime Minister Bilawal Bhutto.
Key party figures present at the ceremony included:
- PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza
- Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema
- Ahsan Rizvi, Rao Babar Jamil, Zeeshan Shami
- PPP Lahore President Faisal Mir
- Majeed Ghauri, Chaudhry Riaz, Aamir Naseer Butt
- A large number of workers, including Dr Ayesha Shaukat, Rana Jamil Manj, Omar Sharif Bukhari, and Shahida Jabeen
Ashraf expressed gratitude for the warm reception and commended Faisal Mir and Dr Ayesha Shaukat for fulfilling the leadership's trust. He predicted that the people will witness the return of the PPP in Lahore and Punjab, emphasizing the need to strengthen the party at the union council level with discipline and principles.
Focus on Youth and Organizational Revival
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf stressed the importance of actively involving youth and women in party affairs to foster a robust organizational structure. He announced that the new organizational framework in Lahore would spark a political revival that would spread across Punjab. He cautioned against inter-party disputes, noting that they weaken political struggle and should be avoided.
On constitutional matters, he highlighted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment was a consensus decision approved by all political parties and could only be amended through a parliamentary majority. Regarding cultural events like Basant, he acknowledged their societal role but emphasized the paramount importance of protecting human life.
Statements from Other PPP Leaders
PPP General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza remarked that the party had reopened its Lahore office after a long hiatus and urged workers to strengthen the party at the grassroots level. He called for support to Lahore President Faisal Mir and a focus on organizational unity over internal disputes.
Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema expressed confidence that the slogans raised in Johar Town would soon resonate across Lahore. PPP Lahore President Faisal Mir thanked the party leadership for their confidence and announced a membership drive in every street of Lahore to enhance the party's image.
Dr Ayesha Shaukat reinforced the party's stance, stating that the PPP is the true representative of the people in Punjab and will soon form the government in the province.
