PPP denies rumours about Parvez Elahi joining the party

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has rejected reports circulating on social media that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi is set to join the party and may be considered for the post of Punjab governor.

The speculation spread within political circles and also triggered discussion inside the party over the possibility of a change in the Punjab governorship. The rumours gained further attention after senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira was asked on Tuesday whether Elahi was joining the party.

Kaira had said he would welcome Elahi if he joined, a remark that was interpreted by some as an indication that the reports might be true. However, PPP figures later dismissed the claim and said there was no substance to the speculation.

PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hasan Murtaza questioned why the party would endanger the political ground it has secured in Punjab through the office of the governor. He said there was no reason for the PPP to bring Elahi into the party and added that the party respected Elahi’s loyalty to PTI, expressing hope that he would continue with that affiliation in line with his political convictions.

Murtaza also said the party was satisfied with the current governor and described him as carrying out his responsibilities properly. He maintained that the reports linking Elahi to the PPP were without basis.

Kaira clarifies earlier remarks

When asked about his earlier statement, which was being cited in support of the rumours, Kaira said his comments were made in a light vein. He clarified that he had not recently met the party leadership and therefore had no direct knowledge of any such move.

He also said social media speculation did not warrant a response and added that no sensible person should circulate such claims without first checking the facts.

Party sources reject possibility

Another party source said the PPP had not forgotten what it described as Elahi’s alleged betrayal during the PTI government’s tenure. The source said President Asif Ali Zardari would not place trust in him again because of what was described as a historic double-cross.

The same source further said that, given Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s close relationship with President Zardari, Elahi would not be allowed to enter the PPP because of existing grievances on both sides.

The rumours had originated on social media before gaining traction in political discussions. PPP leaders and party sources, however, have firmly denied that Elahi is joining the party or that any move is under consideration to replace the Punjab governor in connection with such speculation.