By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE – Rana Farooq Ashraf, a senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former ticket holder for PP-50, has expressed concerns regarding the party’s organisational affairs in Central Punjab, alleging that ideological workers are being sidelined in internal party matters.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Rana Farooq Ashraf said the PPP had historically relied on its loyal workers and long-time supporters, commonly known as Jiyalas, who stood by the party during politically challenging periods.
He claimed that some provincial party leaders in Central Punjab along with their associates, were allegedly promoting favouritism within the party structure.
According to the statement, dedicated party workers were allegedly being overlooked in organisational appointments, while influential positions were being awarded to close associates and preferred individuals.
Rana Farooq Ashraf further alleged that concerns and dissatisfaction among party workers at the grassroots level were not being fully conveyed to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the central leadership.
He maintained that merit and loyalty should remain central to the party’s organisational decisions, adding that active workers played a vital role in maintaining the party’s political presence at the public level.
The PPP leader urged the party’s central leadership to strengthen direct engagement with grassroots workers in Central Punjab and review internal organisational matters to ensure greater inclusion and transparency.
He warned that ignoring workers’ concerns could negatively impact the party’s political position in the region ahead of future elections.
