Protocol Disputes at Punjab Governor House Concern PPP Leaders
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: A series of protocol-related disputes at Punjab Governor House has caused concern among senior Pakistan Peoples Party leaders in the province, with a complaint over the matter reportedly reaching the office of President Asif Ali Zardari.
September 22 that two prominent incidents this month involved PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Hasan Murtaza and Lahore Division President Faisal Mir. President’s spokesperson Murtaza Solangi told the newspaper that the matter had recently come to his attention and that he would raise it with President Zardari. A PPP Punjab office-bearer also claimed the issue had reached the party chairman’s office.
According to the report, Murtaza arrived at Governor House earlier this month with a convoy of around three vehicles but was directed towards the visitors’ parking area. Party representatives said Murtaza contacted Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider after being denied direct access. Murtaza later confirmed that an incident had occurred but played down its significance, suggesting that the arrival of a new officer might have caused confusion.
A separate incident reportedly involved Faisal Mir when he visited Governor House with artist and educationist Saleema Hashmi and human rights lawyer Hina Jilani. Party leaders alleged that the guests faced parking restrictions, were asked to leave their phones behind and later experienced a lengthy wait before their meeting. Mir confirmed to the Tribune that he had faced an issue over carrying his phone and described the episode as unfortunate.
The reported disputes come as the PPP seeks to strengthen its organisational position in Punjab. Former prime minister and PPP Central Punjab President Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said separately on Monday that the party was strengthening its organisation across Punjab and preparing for local government elections.
The protocol controversy is based largely on accounts from PPP leaders and officials cited by the Tribune. The available report does not provide a detailed on-record response from the Governor House administration or its security officials addressing all of the allegations.
