• CEC expected to meet after one month to review progress, chart future course
• PML-N ally concerned over local govt law in Punjab, Chan says it’s not acceptable to PPP
• Zardari pays tribute to ‘martyrs of democracy’ on 18th anniversary of Karsaz bombing

KARACHI: Before charting its future course, the PPP has decided to adopt a wait-and-see policy, giving the government one month to act on promises made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on its demands, particularly the use of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) to aid flood victims.

The development came after an hour-long meeting of its central executive committee, co-chaired by PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, at Bilawal House in the provincial capital.

The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including the PPP’s strained relations with the PML-N, the post-flood situation, recent tensions with Afghanistan, and the ongoing economic challenges faced by the country.

The CEC meeting was called on the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the twin Karsaz bombing, in which at least 180 people were killed at the homecoming rally of slain PPP leader Benazir Bhutto.

Briefing the media after the meeting, senior party leaders Sherry Rehman, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the CEC openly discussed all key matters, as the participants offered suggestions, voiced their concerns, and expressed confidence in the leadership of the PPP chairman.

The PPP leaders said that they had expected their voice to be heard within the coalition setup, stressing that the promises made by the federal government and the Punjab administration must be fulfilled.

“We [PPP] reaffirmed our commitment to democracy, emphasising that we have not made any undue demands, we are not seeking inclusion in the federal cabinet,” said Ms Rehman.

The PPP leader highlighted the party’s significant role in government formation, constitutional amendments, and building consensus among coalition partners.

During the CEC meeting, it was decided that the party would give one more month to the PML-N for progress on its concerns. “The situation will then be reviewed in the next CEC meeting, where the PPP will finalise its future strategy,” Ms Rehman said.

She referred to the recent meetings of President Zardari and the PPP chairman with PM Shehbaz, during which the party leadership conveyed its concerns, and the federal government assured them that all grievances would be addressed.

“We follow the norms of political conduct and do not believe in using inappropriate language,” she said, adding: “True leadership is tested during times of crisis both in terms of discipline and mindset. We have made it clear that there has been no compromise on the party’s demands, and the PPP will continue to pursue its goals through political and constitutional means.”

Local govt polls

In response to a question, Mr Chan pointed to another point of contention between the PPP and its ally, the PML-N — the upcoming local government elections in Punjab.

“The system they [PML-N government] are introducing in the Punjab is not acceptable to the PPP,” he said. “We would also like to discuss this. Then there are serious economic and agricultural issues which we discussed at the CEC… Similarly, there’s the issue of the wheat price. Then there are challenges being faced by our industries. The chairman [Bilawal] briefed the meeting today, referring to the fact that the PM has sought time to look into these issues. So we would wait, but we’re sticking to our demands.”

Earlier this week, Mr Chan said the prime minister had acceded to one of their main demands, i.e. to utilise BISP for helping flood victims. The breakthrough came after a month of disagreements between the ruling allies, soon after heavy monsoon rains and flooding devastated parts of Punjab and other provinces. The PPP pushed for using the BISP to deliver immediate relief to flood-affected families, a demand resisted by the Punjab government.

Karsaz bombing

Earlier in his message on the Karsaz bombing, President Zardari paid tribute to the former prime minister and the “martyrs of democracy”. In a statement, he said that from that day until her martyrdom, Ms Bhutto’s life and sacrifice remained a source of guidance and strength for all those who stood for democracy and peace.

Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan on this day despite clear threats to her life, it said, adding that she remained resolute after the terrorist attack at Karsaz and continued her struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Recalling the events that followed, the president said that she visited hospitals and neighbourhoods the next day to meet the injured and console the bereaved families, reflecting her deep concern for her workers and the people of Pakistan. “As the nation continued to confront terrorism and extremism, the courage and sacrifice of the martyrs of the Karsaz tragedy reinforced their resolve to defeat all such forces,” added President Zardari.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2025