Policy Shift
In a notable shift from its previous stance, the PPP on Tuesday exhibited some flexibility in its rigid demand for holding general elections within 90 days. Instead, the party called for polls “according to the Constitution,” without explicitly specifying the three-month deadline.
The PPP had been one of the most vocal parties in demanding nationwide elections within three months after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) unveiled its delimitation plan last month, which made a 90-day timeline improbable.
Prominent PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Nisar Khuhro, and Nayyar Bukhari, had repeatedly stressed this demand, even hinting at a potential “legal course” if the ECP failed to adhere to the constitutional deadline.
However, the policy shift came from the party’s top leadership, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasizing in meetings with party leaders that the continuation of the democratic process was crucial for addressing the country’s myriad challenges.
“The general elections should be conducted in accordance with the Constitution, enabling the democratic government to address the people’s problems,” stated a release from Bilawal House following Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s separate meetings with party leaders, including former Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, Mr. Khuhro, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, and Shagufta Jumani.
This represents the first instance in recent weeks where the party has advocated adhering to the Constitution without explicitly mentioning the 90-day deadline. Senator Khuhro, who reiterated the demand on August 12, a day after the dissolution of the Sindh Assembly, also appeared to align with the new party position.
Vigorous Voter Engagement Encouraged in Upcoming Elections
The meetings encompassed discussions on the political and economic situation, public concerns, and organizational matters, as per the statement. Mr. Bhutto-Zardari asserted his party’s readiness for polls and expressed a commitment to participate actively.
The statement quoted the PPP chairman as urging the party’s organization and units to prepare for an energetic door-to-door election campaign, emphasizing the crucial role of women in the democratic process and encouraging their active participation in general elections nationwide.
During his meeting with the PPP chairman, the former CM informed him about recent decisions made by the caretaker government that would negatively impact welfare projects in Sindh.
The statement conveyed that, in light of inflation, PPP’s previous government in Sindh had allocated subsidies for public transport to prevent fare hikes in the event of severe inflation.
Furthermore, the statement alleged that the caretaker government had frozen funds earmarked for development projects and government hospitals in Sindh.
