During his recent visit to the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari delivered a surprising message to the party’s provincial leadership, instructing them to refrain from forming any electoral agreements with Imran Khan’s PTI. This directive is unexpected given that PTI has traditionally held strong influence in K-P, having governed the province for nearly a decade prior to the early dissolution of its legislature earlier this year.
Previously, there had been indications of willingness from some PPP leaders to forge alliances with PTI, especially in Punjab, as a strategy to counter the PML-N. However, Zardari’s recent instructions explicitly forbade any seat adjustments or alliances with PTI in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8.
Sources indicate that Zardari empowered the provincial leadership to independently decide on forming alliances or seat adjustments with other parties, emphasizing the importance of swiftly resolving internal party differences.
Interestingly, the JUI-F has emerged as a major beneficiary of the ongoing crackdown against PTI in the province. Four political parties, including PPP, have approached JUI-F for potential seat adjustment deals. Meetings between PPP, ANP, QWP, and JUI-F are scheduled to take place at the JUI-F’s Mufti Mahmood Center in Peshawar.
Abdul Jalil Jan, the provincial secretary of information for JUI-F, confirmed that the party has already held two rounds of talks with PML-N and anticipates a third round soon. He emphasized that JUI-F is open to negotiations with all political entities.
During his visit to Peshawar, Zardari also met with K-P Governor Ghulam Ali and JUI-F leaders. Additionally, he attended the wedding ceremony of the son of former provincial minister Ziaullah Afridi before returning to Karachi.
In Islamabad, Zardari met with former minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi, who announced his decision to join PPP. Religious scholar Ahmed Saeed Kazmi was also present and expressed support for the party.
PPP leaders from Balochistan, Jamal Raisani, and Farid Raisani, held a meeting with Asif Ali Zardari to discuss the political situation in Balochistan and the forthcoming elections.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari chaired a parliamentary board meeting of the party’s K-P chapter, focusing on evaluating the eligibility and qualifications of potential candidates for party tickets. Significant decisions were made during the session.
Bilawal Bhutto is expected to arrive in Lahore for further consultations with provincial leadership. Additionally, a report on interactions with candidates who failed to secure PML-N tickets will be presented during the meeting.
