LAHORE, Jan 13: Has PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto given the party a green signal to hold a workers convention in Multan on Jan 19, as announced by Ghulam Mustafa Khar? If not, then what is the status of the announcement made by the former governor? Punjab PPP president Qasim Zia, just back after meeting Ms Bhutto in Dubai, said on Friday so far no decision had been taken to hold any convention in Multan, and thus workers had been issued no instructions in this regard.

He said the convention could be organized by the party, not an individual.

He said no committee had been constituted to make arrangements for the convention, and no convener had been appointed.

Federal Council secretary-general Khalid Kharal said at a recent meeting at his residence, which was also participated in by Qasim Zia, Multan, Rawalpindi and Muzaffargarh were discussed as the likely venues for the first workers convention. It was also proposed that it should be held on Jan 19.

But, he said, the matter was referred to Ms Bhutto for a final decision. Till Friday, he said, the chairperson had given no decision and the matter was still pending.

He said Mr Khar had announced the Jan 19 date and the venue of the convention prematurely. He indicated that the date and venue might have to be changed in the light of instructions from Ms Benazir Bhutto.

Mr Kharal said he would contact the PPP leaders on Saturday to discuss the matter afresh.

Qasim Zia said while answering a question that Mr Khar had met Ms Bhutto and offered cooperation to mobilize the party. However, he said, the party had not decided as yet what services could the former governor render.