PPP Supports Tahira Habib Jalib for Lahore By-Election

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The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) local chapter has announced its backing for Tahira Habib Jalib, daughter of renowned revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, in the upcoming NA-129 by-election in Lahore.

The decision comes despite the presence of senior party figure Asif Mahmood Nagra, who was considered a strong contender for the nomination. Local PPP leaders say the choice of Tahira is intended to revive the party’s connection with its grassroots supporters and long-time members.

Tahira, who previously ran an all-female driving school in Mustafa Town, now works as a taxi driver. Party officials view her as a candidate who embodies the PPP’s traditional appeal to working-class citizens. They believe that fielding her will energize the party’s base, even if a victory in NA-129 is considered unlikely.

A press statement issued by the PPP described Tahira as “representing the underprivileged class of Pakistan” and confirmed that she had formally applied for the party’s ticket for the Lahore by-election. The statement also outlined plans for a press conference, to be led by Tahira herself, where she and PPP leader Faisal Mir will appeal directly to 30 politicians, intellectuals, and journalists to endorse her nomination.

The event, scheduled for Monday in Lahore, will mark the start of her campaign. Faisal Mir, who recently returned from the United States, will launch the campaign under the slogan: “Support taxi driver Tahira Habib Jalib or support the ruling class politician.”

Party insiders say the slogan is intended to draw a sharp contrast between Tahira’s working-class background and that of her political rivals. The campaign aims to highlight her everyday struggles as a reflection of the broader challenges faced by the common people in Pakistan.

Tahira’s candidacy has drawn interest not only because of her personal story, but also due to her late father’s legacy. Habib Jalib, a celebrated poet and political activist, was known for his outspoken opposition to authoritarianism and his advocacy for the rights of the marginalized.

By nominating his daughter, the PPP leadership hopes to send a symbolic message about its political identity. However, analysts note that NA-129 has not historically been a stronghold for the party, making the contest a difficult one.

The final decision on the PPP ticket for NA-129 is expected in the coming days.