PPP opposes ban on PTI

LAHORE:Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza has stated that the government should take the initiative to bring PTI into the national mainstream.

‘We are not in favor of banning PTI or sidelining it, there has been no discussion with us regarding banning PTI’ said Syed Hassan Murtaza while addressing a press conference here on Friday at the People's Secretariat, Model Town. PPP notables, including Faisal Mir, Haji Aziz-ur-Rehman Chan, Amanullah Sandhu, Wazir Awan, Rao Khalid, and Zeeshan Shami were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Hassan Murtaza mentioned that despite three decades of character assassination, PPP is now attracting members from other political parties. He warmly welcomed the inclusion of Amanullah Sandhu, former President of the District Bar Hafizabad and District President of PTI Hafizabad, into PPP. On this occasion, he also presented Amanullah Sandhu with a party muffler.

Hassan Murtaza declared that the future belongs solely to Bilawal Bhutto. He stated that only PPP can steer the country out of its crises, citing Bilawal Bhutto's role in fostering consensus through the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

PPP plans to hold a power show in Punjab in March 2025. He clarified that the PPP opposes generals who harm democracy and emphasised the need to strengthen institutions, not individuals, he added.

He criticised a major source of discord and instability, which he claimed was declining due to its anti-national policies. He highlighted historical improvements in the Pakistan Stock Exchange and noted that, despite Zia’s martial law and police brutality, PPP refrained from targeting the armed forces. He condemned the agenda-driven criticism of law enforcement agencies and border security personnel.

Commenting on recent events in Islamabad, Hassan Murtaza said that while the situation was not ideal, it was necessary to rid the nation of discord. He praised political leadership for pulling the country out of crises. He criticised KP chief minister for storming Islamabad with a housewife instead of addressing the suffering of innocent people in Kurram Agency and Parachinar.

He stated that PTI's hereditary politics is evident now and that their chief minister acts only to ensure privileges for those living a luxurious life in jail. ‘It’s clear you only want power; you have no ideology or narrative,’ he remarked, accusing them of misleading people to tarnish the sacrifices of Rangers' martyrs. He said those inciting rebellion against the state must be stopped.

Regarding preparations for PPP’s foundation day, he mentioned that everyone is working collectively, and it will be celebrated in every district. The chairman’s virtual address will take place at 6PM, and such events will continue to activate the party. Faisal Mir announced that the foundation day event in Lahore will be held at Pani Wala Talab, chosen to honour the party workers of that area.

Amanullah Sandhu, the former PTI District President from Hafizabad, explained his decision to join PPP, stating, ‘I realised that PTI does not value its workers, which is why I decided to join PPP.