WASHINGTON: While PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is visiting the United States this week on a private trip, he will preside over a key meeting via video link to discuss a potential move to ban the opposition PTI.

The former foreign minister subsequently plans to return to the US in February for more meetings in Washington.

Addressing speculations that he was in the States this weekend to discuss Pakistan’s current political and economic situation with senior US officials, Mr Bhutto-Zardari clarified: “No Washington for me. Hopefully in February.”

The PPP leader, who landed in New York late last week, reportedly asked party leaders and workers not to come to the airport to receive him, emphasising the private nature of his visit.

Pakistani political circles in Washington noted that Mr Bhutto-Zardari’s visit comes amidst a major political controversy in Pakistan, where the PML-N-led government is seeking the PPP support for a ban on PTI.

According to sources privy to the development, the party is preparing for a crucial consultative meeting to address the potential ban on PTI. This pivotal session will bring together the central and provincial leadership of the PPP, with party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari presiding via video link from abroad.

The agenda includes gathering opinions from party leaders on the PML-N’s proposal.

The consensus reached will significantly influence the PPP’s stance on the issue.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2024