Recently, an anniversary program was held by local PPP members to remember Abdul Rahim Baloch and his services. He was an MNA and the personal secretary of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto. A number of workers attended the annual political gathering, and a huge stage was set up to accommodate Sindh and Karachi leadership to share their thoughts and address the participants of the event.

President of Sindh PPP, Nisar Kuhro, President of Karachi Division, Saeed Ghani, Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, President of District South, Khaleel Hoth, Chairman of Lyari Town, Nasir Karim, and former chairman of DMC, Malik Fayaz, spoke to the attendees, conveying the message of leadership to prepare for the upcoming polls and be ready to work hard to win back the constituency which was lost to PTI and its allies. But the major talking point was who should be rewarded with the MNA and MPA tickets, respectively.

Former chairman of DMC, Malik Fayaz, burst out by saying that at least an MPA ticket should be rewarded to the worker who has been residing in Lyari and suffering from the load shedding and low gas pressure, instead of any outsider elite. Rumors have been circulating that Asifa Bhutto would contest the MNA election from Lyari to begin her political career, but former MNA and senators have been running from post to pillar to secure the ticket for the national assembly.

The Pakistan People’s Party has been working hard to win back its stronghold by launching developmental projects like sports complexes and parks. However, excessive load shedding and low gas pressure have added to the miseries of slum dwellers. Opposition parties have nothing to lure the voters except the issue of load shedding, which they intend to use as a card in the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, the PPP has chalked out a strategy to win back the confidence of its voters and narrow the gap between the leadership and its voters. They have sent the Chief Minister and city administrator to address the problems of the slums. Consequently, the party swept the local body elections by winning all the union councils of Lyari.

Lyari is dominated by the Baloch population. Since the creation of PPP, the majority of them have been voting for the Bhutto-led party instead of voting elsewhere. However, the growing population is rapidly changing the dynamics of politics, and the youth play a vital role in this regard. The PPP leadership needs to understand the potential of youth and earnestly think about the candidates for Lyari.