LAHORE: Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, has raised alarm over what he described as a looming wheat crisis in the province. Speaking to the media on Sunday, he alleged that the government’s policies have failed to protect farmers and ensure adequate support for wheat procurement.
“The wheat crisis has already arrived,” Bhachar claimed. “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stands firmly with the farmer, and we will be on the roads with wheat trolleys if immediate action is not taken.”
He criticized the government’s decision to allow wheat imports at the individual level, claiming it would hurt local growers. The opposition leader further warned that if necessary facilities were not provided to farmers, PTI would consider submitting a no-confidence motion within the next 48 hours.
Bhachar also expressed concern over what he called “neglect” of basic services in Punjab, referring specifically to reports of hospital outsourcing. “If Jinnah Hospital is being outsourced and Lahore’s hospitals cannot be run efficiently, then what is the Chief Minister doing — making TikToks?” he remarked sarcastically.
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On the issue of education, he stated, “Privatizing educational institutions has destroyed the public education system.”
The opposition leader also cited an alleged rise in crime, stating that “Punjab has seen a 33% increase in crime during the month of Ramadan,” although he did not present official figures to support the claim.
Turning to national political matters, Bhachar criticized restrictions on former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s jail visitations. “If Imran Khan is not allowed to meet his sisters in Adiala Jail, then a movement will be launched.”
He also weighed in on the controversy surrounding the construction of new canals, warning that the project could negatively impact Punjab’s water share. “If Bilawal Bhutto is truly saddened like the people, then he should stand with them against the newly constructed canals,” Bhachar said, suggesting that the issue would eventually reduce Punjab’s water per acre.
He called on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to directly respond to these concerns rather than delegating statements to Information Minister Uzma Bukhari.
