Faryal Talpur takes charge of PPP’s Punjab affairs

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has reportedly assigned Faryal Talpur, sister of President Asif Ali Zardari, the responsibility of overseeing its political organisation in Punjab ahead of the upcoming local government elections.

Party sources said Talpur, who previously focused largely on Sindh’s political affairs, has started engaging with PPP leaders and representatives from different parts of Punjab to strengthen the party’s organisational structure.

A member of the Sindh Assembly and head of the PPP’s women’s wing, Talpur is considered one of the party’s most influential figures after Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari.

Over the past few weeks, she has held several meetings in Islamabad with representatives of the party’s Punjab chapters, including the People’s Youth Organisation and women’s wing. Office-bearers from Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Sialkot and Faisalabad also attended the meetings.

Discussions reportedly focused on organisational matters, local political challenges and complaints raised by party officials.

Speculation about Talpur taking charge of Punjab affairs first emerged in early October, when reports suggested she would visit Lahore during the first or second week of the month. However, the imposition of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the same period reportedly affected the proposed visit.

Her subsequent meetings with Punjab leaders in Islamabad have further strengthened expectations that she will play a more active role in the province.

According to party sources, Talpur is now expected to visit Lahore on November 10 and 11. Although the visit is scheduled around a family wedding, party insiders believe it could mark the beginning of her more direct involvement in Punjab politics.

She is also expected to make monthly visits to the province, spending two to three days meeting party leaders and reviewing organisational activities.

Preparations are reportedly underway at the PPP Central Punjab secretariat in Lahore to accommodate Talpur and her staff during these visits.

Sources said the party office was undergoing extensive renovation, with the general secretary’s office on the first floor allocated to Talpur. Access to the floor is also expected to be restricted during her stay, with visitors requiring prior clearance.

The secretariat has reportedly been divided among several mid-level party leaders, who are contributing towards the renovation expenses.

The arrangements indicate the party’s preparations for Talpur’s anticipated regular presence in Punjab as it looks to strengthen its organisation ahead of the local government elections.