BAHAWALPUR: PPP women wing central president and sister of former president Asif Ali Zardari, Ms Faryal Talpur, on Monday called on PTI former MPA Makhdum Iftikhar Gilani at Uch Sharif, sparking political speculations.

Local sources say that Ms Talpur has brought an important message of Mr Zardari for Mr Gilani, most probably an invitation to join the PPP. Gilani had announced parting of ways with the PTI after May 9 incidents and was yet to join any other party to contest the next election. However, talking to Dawn, Mr Gilani termed Ms Talpur’s visit a courtesy call and denied having any intention to join the PPP so far.

It may be mentioned that the PPP has already nominated former MNA Syed Ali Gilani as its candidate for Uch Sharif National Assembly seat, while his brother Syed Aamir Shah is a probable candidate for the Punjab Assembly seat from the area.

The sources, however, say that as Ali Gilani was facing a case of alleged fake degree, which may create problem for him in the next elections, the PPP may be trying to woo Iftikhar Gilani as his alternative candidate for the upcoming polls.

During her visit, Mr Gilani also showed Ms Talpur the holy relics kept at Shammas Mahal.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2023