Punjab being the largest province population-wise, any party aspiring to form the next government at the centre has to win sufficient votes from it. The Sharif brothers now hold sway over much of central and northern regions of the province which was once a PPP stronghold. The PPP needs to regain at least some of the lost ground by damaging its main rival's stature.
Rough talk holds considerable appeal in a political culture that regards discretion as wimpy rather than better part of valour. But there are red lines that must not be crossed such as showing disrespect to family elders, especially when they are non-political personalities not alive anymore.