Chaudhry Nadeem, CEO of Bhuttoism International WhatsApp Groups, condemned the district administration’s refusal to provide security for a peaceful rally marking the 18th Benazir anniversary and demanded immediate action from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He said an application submitted to the deputy commissioner on 22 December 2025 seeking security for the rally planned on 29 December from Chandni Chowk to the martyrdom site went unanswered, and the office of the DPO also failed to issue a response or permission.
Nadeem said organisers were forced to relocate the commemoration to the Press Club in Liaquat Bagh after receiving no official reply. He alleged that personnel from the Special Branch and officers from three police stations entered the press club hall and harassed participants, an action he described as unjust and humiliating to Pakistan Peoples Party workers.
Speaking at a local hotel press conference organised by Bhuttoism International, Nadeem demanded that the provincial government treat PPP events equally and investigate those responsible for the denial of security and the reported harassment. He warned that union partner status between PPP and PML-N makes impartial treatment especially necessary and called for accountability for any officers who used such tactics.
Several party activists attended the briefing, including Junaid Awan, Saadia Abbasi, Yaseen Almani, Anwar Khan Jadun, Raja Ashfaq Kiani, Rabia Gujar and Maqsood Hussain. Nadeem said the episode had demoralised some workers but affirmed that Bhuttoism International would continue efforts to bring disgruntled PPP members back into active party ranks and to strengthen the party ahead of future leadership under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Nadeem also referenced recent examples of perceived double standards, noting that overseas Pakistanis warmly received the Army Chief in Spain while, he alleged, PPP supporters faced policing at home. He said he displayed both a red tie and a green tie as symbols of political commitment and national loyalty, and stressed that activists who endured imprisonment and hardships would not be cowed by intimidation.
Beyond the rally dispute, Nadeem raised social concerns including efforts to secure relief for workers reportedly dismissed from jobs through the APEX platform, and criticised recent CDA operations in informal settlements that left families displaced. He urged the government to arrange alternative housing and assistance for those affected, noting many evicted residents are voters and party supporters who need support.
Finally, Nadeem highlighted the deterioration of Shaheed Bhutto Park in Rahimabad, which he said has become a garbage site and lost its commemorative plaque. He said talks with the Governor of Punjab resulted in a pledge to visit and restore the park and its signage. He closed by reiterating his demand for a fair investigation into the security denial and police conduct around the Benazir anniversary events and asked the provincial leadership to ensure equal treatment for all political commemorations.
