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PPP to forge alliance with MMA in KP
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Party co-chairman to capitalise on religious vote bank in South Punjab, central Punjab
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari is eyeing to form a new broad-based alliance with smaller political and religio-political parties to help sideline Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to ensure his party remains relevant in the future political scenario.
A well placed source in the PPP told Pakistan Today that even though Sindh’s ruling party was being seen down and out of late by the political pundits, but the recent show of strength has rejuvenated Zardari.
“The PPP’s leadership feels there is a break in the changing scenario. For them, Punjab is the battleground where the fight recently was between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. But the recent jalsa in Islamabad has given hopes to Bilawal and his father,” the source said, adding that Asif Zardari feels it is time to make political moves now.
“We believe that we will secure all our seats from Sindh, as there is no formidable challenge to the PPP. So if we were able to secure some seats from South Punjab, central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), we will be in with a chance to form the new government after next elections,” the source added.
Expanding further on party’s strategy, the source said that Zardari was planning to win over some minor religious political parties—who happen to have a formidable vote bank in central Punjab and KP.
“Dr Tahirul Qadri’s party (Pakistan Awami Tehreek) has the capacity to capitalise on vote bank of Barelvi Muslims, which are a majority religious group. Since Dr Qadri and Imran Khan don’t enjoy warm relations, PPP can capitalise on the PAT vote bank. Moreover, we are also making efforts to win over other smaller religious parties, and regional alliances can be formed,” the source informed.
Moreover, the source said that the PPP was planning to forge alliance or seat adjustments with Mutahidda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) in KP, which would help it secure major success.
The source said that while PTI chief had forged an alliance with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Samiul Haq)—which is mainly from Deobandi school of thought—Asif Zardari was planning to contact some religious groups of Barelvi sect, who have strength in central Punjab.
“We will give new surprises in KP and central Punjab. In South Punjab, we are already strong with an astounding vote bank. We can also forge an alliance with smaller political parties like Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and others,” the PPP leader said.
When contacted, PPP Finance Secretary Haider Zaman Qureshi confirmed that the PPP leadership has been making efforts to forge new alliances with other political parties, keeping an eye on the next general elections.
“Romance between PTI and JI is over. PTI has also ignored the PML-Q, proving that the party is isolated. We will capitalise on the space released by PTI and the PML-N,” he said, adding that the PPP would contact religious parties ignored by PTI and PML-N—like Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen.
“Once Justice Baqir Najafi report on Model Town massacre was made public, the cat is [now] out of the bag. This report is a very incriminating indictment of Shehbaz Sharif and Rana Sanaullah. Now the responsibility needs to be fixed and heads must roll,” he said.
The PPP leader said PTI leadership is already facing two major cases, adding that these cases would have political consequences for PTI leaders Imran Khan and Jahangir Tareen.
“Whatever the outcome of the decisions, the PPP will benefit from it. In the changing scenario, the PPP will regain its lost space. We need to forge alliances now. We will have our share from Punjab and KP in the next elections. So we are gearing up for making most out of the opportunity,” he added.
Asked whether the PPP—which had termed Dr Qadri a ‘clown’ in the past—was now warming up to him under some political opportunism, Qureshi said the PPP was the first political force to express its solidarity with Dr Qadri.
“On model town killings, we were the first party to go and support PAT chief. Since then, we have had a consistent stance on Model Town tragedy. We have always demanded action against the culprits,” he explained.
“Once royal accountability ends and real accountability starts with Supreme Court hearing Hudaibiya Paper Mills case, the PML-N would be in disarray. New corruption cases would be registered against the PML-N leaders who are already facing Panama Papers case. There would be political space, and the PPP, who has a base within the public, would benefit,” he added.
He said following the powerful show in Islamabad, the PPP is holding another power show in Multan on December 15.