LAHORE: Former Prime Minister and President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab, Raja Pervez Ashraf, has said that the farming community in Punjab is being crushed, and that the provincial government must pay immediate attention to the issue and take emergency measures to resolve farmers’ problems.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, alongside PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza, after a meeting of the party’s Central Punjab executive and organizational office-bearers at the Model Town party office, Raja Pervez Ashraf said that today’s meeting was an introductory session for newly appointed office-bearers following the party’s reorganization. He added that the majority of the new office-bearers belong to the People’s Students Federation (PSF) and People’s Youth. After the reorganization at the Central Punjab level, party structures will now be formed down to the Union Council level.
Talking about the Kashmir Rally being organized by the PPP on February 1, Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the party would participate wholeheartedly in the “Kashmir Bany Ga Pakistan” rally on Mall Road. He stated that the PPP has always raised its voice for Kashmir at both national and international levels and has a historic relationship with the Kashmir cause. He expressed the hope that the people of Lahore would actively participate in the peaceful rally.
While speaking about agricultural issues, he said that farmers in Punjab are suffering immensely and that the provincial government must address this issue on an emergency basis. He warned that financial losses faced by farmers directly affect their future crops. He expressed the hope that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would provide relief to the farming community.
Responding to a question about the alliance with Pakistan Muslim League (N), Raja Pervez Ashraf said, “PPP is part of a coalition government where grievances do arise from time to time. However, let me clarify that this alliance was formed for the stability of the state, not for political gains.”
Commenting on the loss of human lives in recent tragic incidents in Karachi and Lahore, he said that any accident, regardless of location, causes pain and grief to every Pakistani. He emphasized that criticism should not be personal and that the focus must remain on solving public issues. On a question regarding Pakistan’s inclusion in the Gaza Peace Board, Raja Pervez Ashraf said, “Pakistan’s presence on the board was essential and that staying away would have been a serious mistake.” The issue had been unnecessarily politicized, he remarked.
Regarding Basant, the former Prime Minister said that it is a beautiful festival of joy and celebration. However, he stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that Basant is celebrated in a safe and peaceful manner.
Meanwhile, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hassan Murtaza said that Punjab’s farmers are on their last breath, comparing their condition to a patient on a ventilator, and urged the government to take immediate notice. He added that the PPP would make a comeback in Punjab through local government and general elections.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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