Haphazard induction into PPP causes unease among ‘old guard’

PESHAWAR: The haphazard induction of newcomers from other political parties is stated to be the main cause of growing sense of deprivation among senior and former public representatives of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

"The unplanned induction of newcomers without taking the seniors into confidence has been taking place since long in almost every district. Instead of strengthening the party, it has further created divisions," a former elected representative told The News. "The existing sense of deprivation among the old workers will obviously affect the performance of the party candidates in the upcoming general election if proper and timely action is not taken," he opined. "We don't know as to why the central leaders have kept mum over the prevailing state of affairs despite knowing the ground realities," he said while wishing not to be named.

He said that former federal minister Lal Mohammad Khan had announced parallel organisation of the PPP in Malakand division. Former provincial presidents including, Anwar Saifullah Khan, Syed Zahir Ali Shah and former federal minister Arbab Alamgir Khan have been conveying their reservations within the party's forum and in their meetings with central leaders including PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The PPP leaders opined that though it was proof of the party's popularity that people from other political entities were joining it, the old guard was confused whether they would be given ticket for contesting the election.

The PPP activists, who had opposed the nomination of the PTI dissident Gulzar Khan's son Asad Gulzar for contesting the by-election in constituency NA-4 Peshawar, argued that he should not have been given preference over the old workers. They pointed out that Asad Gulzar had now left PPP to join PTI.

The workers are justified in asking as to who had preferred Asad Gulzar, who joined the party a few months before, over the old workers and why the same policy was being followed in most of the constituencies. The confusing policy and existing wrangling within the party has forced many to leave the party. They include former ticket holders.

"It is deplorable to note that other political parties have started election campaign but we have not yet completed organisational structure," said Qari Khalid, former vice-president of People's Youth Organisation (PYO).

He said the party organisation had been completed in a few districts while only three office-bearers had been nominated in rests of the province. "Certain senior PPP activists, who are feeling ignored, have kept themselves away from party's activities and they will remain inactive in the election if the newcomers were preferred over old party workers," said a former PPP MNA.

He said that Abdul Qadir Bhittani, who got second position in election in Tank, had joined the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). He said that Tariq Kundi, who polled huge number of votes, had joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Former provincial president Anwar Saifullah Khan remained inactive even during the recent visit of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to Bannu. The former PPP lawmaker Syed Qalab-e-Hasan too has reservations. The same is the case with seniors in Hangu district. However, the workers opined that Nawabzada Mohsin Ali Khan, who recently joined the PPP, could give tough time to rival candidates in Karak district. Arbab Usman, son of the late ANP leader, Arbab Ayub Jan, who had joined the PPP could have been a strong candidate, but the seniors had reservations about him and now he has joined the PTI.

Sharif Khan was included in the party creating debate among the old aspirants as to who would be preferred. In some constituencies, where the PPP has no strong candidates, there is no problem arising due to the newcomers.

Former provincial minister Bakht Baidar, who has quit the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and joined the party, will have no problems with workers in his Lower Dir constituency. Former PPP lawmaker in this constituency, Zakirullah Khan has already joined the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).

However, Deputy Information Secretary Gohar Inqilabi dismissed the impression and said a comprehensive strategy had been chalked out to resolve such issues. "Now the district president, general secretary, member provincial cabinet and MPA of that respective constituency will have to approve a person before his induction in the party," he said.

He added, "There were some problems in a few constituencies, but these have been overcome." He said preparations had been made for the coming election. He asserted the PPP would emerge victorious with the support of its workers.