Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Minister and Chairman Chaudhry Pervez Elahi is accused of making illegal appointments in the Punjab Assembly during his tenure, according to provincial anti-corruption body ACE.—File Photo
LAHORE:
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has denied rumors that PTI Chairman Parvez Elahi will join the party and could be appointed Governor of Punjab.
The rumors, which apparently originated on social media, circulated within the party’s ranks and sparked a quiet debate over a possible dismissal of the Punjab governor.
Against this backdrop, senior PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira was asked on Tuesday to confirm whether Elahi would join the party. He responded that he would welcome her if she joined, a statement that some interpreted as tacit acceptance of the rumors.
However, party sources strongly denied the rumours, calling them baseless and unfounded.
PPP Central Punjab general secretary Hasan Murtaza questioned why the party would risk losing the political space it has secured through its governor in Punjab. He said there was no reason for the PPP to accept Elahi into its ranks and reiterated that the party respects Elahi’s commitment to the PTI, hoping that he will continue their association in line with his political beliefs. He added that the party is satisfied with the governor who diligently fulfills his duties and emphasized that the rumors are baseless.
When asked about her previous comments, which were cited as evidence of the rumors, Kaira said they were simply light-hearted jokes. He clarified that he had not had recent meetings with party leaders and, therefore, had no first-hand knowledge of such a decision. He added that rumors on social media do not deserve a response and that no reasonable person would spread such claims without verifying the facts.
Another source pointed out that the PPP has not forgotten Elahi’s alleged betrayal during the PTI government’s tenure. He said President Asif Ali Zardari would not trust him again, given his historic betrayal. Considering Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s close ties with President Zardari, the source said, Elahi would not be allowed to join the PPP due to mutual grudges.
