ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senators sharply criticised the Punjab government for its “provincialist statements” and failure to protect flood-affected citizens, reaffirming the PPP’s commitment to national unity as a federal party. Speaking at a press conference at the PPP Central Secretariat, former Minister of State for Law and Justice Senator Shahadat Awan, alongside Senators Palwasha Khan, Waqar Mehdi, and Masroor Ahsan, accused the Punjab government of prioritising political rhetoric over governance during a national crisis.
Senator Palwasha Khan condemned the Punjab government’s provincialist remarks amid ongoing floods and natural disasters. She emphasized that the PPP, as a symbol of the federation with a mandate across all the four provinces, would not tolerate attempts to undermine national unity. “Punjab is not the property of any single political party,” she declared. Khan noted that opposition to the PPP stems from its support for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, recalling President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Jati Umra in 2014 to support the PMLN during tough times. She accused PMLN leaders of targeting PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, warning that continued hostility would be raised with party elders.
Senator Palwasha Khan defended the PPP’s coalition role to safeguard democracy, refusing to compromise on dignity. She praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for countering India’s narrative, equating Modi support to treason and recalled PMLN’s past praise of him. Khan stressed, “Punjab belongs to all,” emphasising PPP’s constructive stance. She said that the PMLN will again need Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari.
Senator Waqar Mehdi accused Punjab of failing to prepare for floods despite warnings, noting Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani’s efforts in Multan while his son’s security was withdrawn. He called PPP the “chain binding all provinces,” rejecting provincialism, and highlighted its contributions: 35,000 MW from Thar; FATF grey list removal and aiding 2.8 million flood victims via BISP. Mehdi accused PMLN of dragging PPP into its internal disputes, citing a “niece conspiring against her uncle” and Modi’s invitation. He noted Sindh’s 71pc gas contribution without claiming ownership and urged an agricultural emergency. Senator Masroor Ahsan while rejecting “my water, my choice” noted Sindh’s 50pc NFC Award contribution versus Punjab’s 35pc, stressing shared resources. Senator Shahadat Awan urged PMLN to avoid dragging PPP into its conflicts, criticising Punjab’s focus on Lahore amid inflation and neglect of flood victims, calling for practical aid, not advertisements. Addressing press conference at Multan Press Club, PPP city president Malik Naseem Labar and others slammed the withdrawal of security from Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and his sons as “criminal,” noting past terrorist threats, including Syed Ali Haider Gilani’s abduction. They demanded an apology and immediate security restoration. They called for a separate South Punjab province to address regional neglect.
