Bilawal directs restructuring of PPP Lahore chapter

LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed the party’s Lahore organisation to complete its restructuring at the grassroots level without delay and start preparations for local bodies elections during a brief visit to the city centred on political meetings, condolence calls and social engagements.

Bilawal arrived in Lahore from Balochistan late on Monday night in a largely unannounced visit. He later held consultations at Bilawal House after spending much of his stay visiting different residences in the city to offer condolences and congratulations.

Meetings on party affairs

During discussions with Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider and PPP Lahore president Faisal Mir, Bilawal asked the party leadership to speed up organisational work and strengthen preparations for future local government elections. According to party sources, he held detailed talks with the governor and Faisal Mir on party matters in Punjab after returning to Bilawal House.

Bilawal specifically instructed Mir to complete organisational restructuring in Lahore at the earliest. Increased political activity in Lahore under the city’s new leadership has created cautious optimism within party decision-making circles about a possible revival in the provincial capital.

Party insiders also said Bilawal appreciated Faisal Mir’s efforts for the party in Lahore during his visit to the residence of party leader Samina Khalid Gurki.

Condolence and congratulatory visits

According to party officials, Bilawal visited the home of the Watto family to offer condolences over the death of former federal minister and former chief minister Manzoor Watto. He met Mauzam Watto, Khurram Watto, Zeeshan Watto, Rubina Shaheen Watto and Jahanara Watto during the visit.

He also went to see Nawab Shehzad Ali Khan, described in the report as a close friend of President Asif Ali Zardari, to convey good wishes on the engagement of his daughter. Later, Bilawal visited Samina Khalid Gurki’s residence to congratulate her on her son’s wedding.

Central Punjab Information Secretary Shehzad Saeed Cheema accompanied Bilawal during the visits. However, party insiders claimed Cheema joined the governor’s entourage without invitation, causing inconvenience for members of the governor’s team.

Visit details and upcoming plans

According to party sources, PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf and the party’s general secretary were not in Lahore because of the near-surprise nature of Bilawal’s trip. The same sources said both leaders had been advised not to travel to Lahore given the short duration of the visit.

The son of a late governor also visited Bilawal House, although sources claimed the interaction was limited to a photo opportunity.

Party insiders said Bilawal was expected to leave Lahore before Wednesday afternoon. In the coming days, he is also expected to travel to Gilgit-Baltistan to campaign for PPP candidates and may address rallies in Skardu and Ghizer.

Meanwhile, sources strongly rejected reports of unease within the PPP over a possible constitutional amendment. A well-placed source said Bilawal remained focused on Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan elections and internal party matters.