Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif announced on Friday a two-month relief plan for electricity consumers in Punjab using up to 500 units. This measure, aimed at providing financial relief to residents, will see a reduction of Rs 14 per unit for electricity bills for August and September.
In a press conference alongside his daughter and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Sharif revealed that the Punjab government will allocate Rs 45 billion for this initiative. He emphasized that this decision follows a careful review of expenditures across various sectors, allowing the government to afford this relief.
Sharif highlighted that this move reflects the deep concern of his party and the government for the well-being of ordinary citizens. He also mentioned an additional project by the Chief Minister involving the provision of solar panels to those in need, with an estimated budget of Rs 700 billion. This project aims to assist poor, lower-middle, and middle-class families.
Sharif urged other provinces to adopt similar measures to improve the lives of their citizens and praised both the Prime Minister and Chief Minister for their commitment to public welfare. He also reflected on the past six to seven months of government efforts to support the public.
Addressing past political issues, Nawaz Sharif lamented how conspiracies have repeatedly disrupted Pakistan’s progress. He recalled how his government successfully managed the economy, reduced interest rates to 5.25 percent, and maintained a stable dollar rate. He questioned the current economic challenges, including high interest rates and the return of the IMF, and specifically criticized PTI chief Imran Khan for the current financial situation.
Sharif vowed to remain engaged with the public and work towards the country’s betterment. He condemned those responsible for his removal and the current state of the country, arguing that if he had not been ousted in 2017, Pakistan would have achieved significant milestones and avoided the current economic hardships.
He criticized the return to IMF dependency, recalling that his government had ended long hours of load shedding and built motorways without borrowing. He highlighted achievements such as completing power plants on time and keeping the dollar rate stable.
Sharif questioned the justification for his removal and whether there was any valid reason for it, expressing frustration over the economic challenges faced by the country. He reiterated that his removal was unjustified and detrimental to Pakistan’s progress.
