‘PPP chooses to stand with state at cost of its own political interests’

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Secretary General, Hamayoun Khan, emphasized on Tuesday that safeguarding the nation and its inhabitants was more crucial than personal or party politics. At a press conference in Lahore, Khan stated that the party had opted to align with the state, even if it meant sacrificing its own political interests.

He expressed at the press conference that national interests must always supersede politics when dealing with the challenges confronting the country. The protection of Pakistan and its people would take precedence, followed by politics.

The event was attended by PPP Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza, Secretary Information Shehzad Saeed Cheema, and several other party leaders, including Rana Farooq Saeed, Ahsan Rizvi, Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, and others. Murtaza welcomed Khan to Punjab, stating that the PPP aimed to concentrate on fundamental issues such as law and order, unemployment, and inflation. He noted that the country's situation had worsened over time, leading the government to collaborate with security institutions to enhance conditions.

Murtaza explained that certain constitutional but unpopular measures were deemed necessary, and the PPP had given priority to the state's interests in difficult circumstances. He highlighted that the government's notification, signed by the President, was issued in accordance with constitutional requirements, and the Government of Pakistan exercised its constitutional authority.

The PPP had accepted the decision with regret, as they had attempted to resolve the situation through dialogue without receiving a positive response. Murtaza maintained that the party had made sacrifices to stand with the state, hoping that Allah would protect Pakistan and its people.

Addressing regional developments, Murtaza mentioned India's concerns about Pakistan's political and military achievements, alongside the need to address the country's internal challenges. He said some PTI members had constructive views, but the principle of placing Pakistan first wasn't being emphasized sufficiently. Murtaza added that people expected the state to provide basic necessities like roti, kapra, and makaan (bread, clothing, and shelter), making it the responsibility of governments to address these needs.

He criticized the increase in the tax rate for the agricultural sector from 15% to 45% and the imposition of a super tax, which affected industry. Murtaza emphasized that deteriorating law and order deterred employment opportunities and appealed to political leaders to demonstrate seriousness in addressing the country's economic and social challenges.

He defended the imposition of Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, arguing that when the provincial chief minister refused to engage in dialogue, other constitutional options had to be considered. He said the PPP had taken a month to decide on the matter, hoping for resolution through negotiations. Murtaza questioned what course of action to take when law and order deteriorated and federal and provincial security forces confronted each other, and whether hooliganism was preferable to Governor’s Rule.

He noted that the government was responsible for protecting citizens' lives and property and should avoid actions that could lead to confrontation between state institutions. Murtaza acknowledged that his party had imposed Governor’s Rule against its own government in the past, stressing that the party's position was not directed against any specific political party but based on the state's and public's interests.

He referenced the party's history of sacrifices during martial law, including those of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, and Shahnawaz Bhutto, and paid tribute to the Pakistan armed forces. Murtaza urged political leaders to reflect on sacrifices made by armed forces and the suffering of martyr families, particularly widows and orphans, urging them to consider their conduct and political approach.