President Zardari extends Lahore stay to bolster PPP Punjab strategy

President Asif Ali Zardari has extended his stay in Lahore and will remain in the city until June 1 to intensify the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Punjab's political strategy.

According to the 24NewsHD TV Channel, during his ongoing visit to Lahore, he is actively engaging with PPP leadership from various regions of Punjab to strengthen the party’s position ahead of future political contests.

Zardari has been holding a series of important meetings with the central Punjab leadership, who have voiced serious reservations regarding the conduct of the ruling PML-N government in the province.

PPP leaders informed the president about interference by the Punjab administration during the recent Sambrial by-election. In response, President Zardari instructed the central Punjab leadership to present a detailed organisational performance report and also sought lists of ticket holders who secured over 15,000 votes in the 2024 elections.

Sources confirm that President Zardari will directly oversee party affairs and organisational matters in Punjab.

On May 27, 2025, President Zardari held an in-depth meeting with PPP leadership from Punjab, urging them to intensify public outreach. He directed leaders to organise district-level workers’ conventions to rebuild momentum and reconnect with party workers.

The president assured that the vacant position of PPP Lahore president will be filled soon and that the city’s party infrastructure will be made fully functional.

A day earlier, on May 26, President Zardari chaired a high-level meeting at the Governor House in Lahore, which included provincial leaders and PPP ticket holders. Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider led the delegation. Discussions focused on administrative gaps and the need for completing PPP’s organisational set-up in under-represented areas.

Also on May 26, President Zardari participated in the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Super League Season X (PSL X) at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, blending his political itinerary with public engagement at one of the country’s most popular sporting events.

Last Thursday, a delegation of PPP South Punjab leaders, including Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf, Mumtaz Ali Chang, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, and MNA Makhdoom Tahir, met President Zardari at the Governor’s House. The delegation discussed regional challenges and development needs in South Punjab.

Reporter: Hassan Ali