By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE – Senior Minister of Punjab Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that providing relief to the public despite the country being under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program is a significant challenge, made possible only through the unwavering efforts of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.
Read also: Propagandists should cut budgets for relief in electricity bills: Mariyam Aurangzeb
Speaking to the media at the Chief Minister’s House, she said Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had promised to reduce electricity prices and curb inflation if the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formed the government — and that promise was now being fulfilled.
“This is not an ordinary task. Behind this relief is the hard work and vision of Shahbaz Sharif,” she stated, adding that it was the commitment of the PML-N leadership — including Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, and Maryam Nawaz — that enabled practical solutions to the people’s problems.
Criticizing opposition claims that relief efforts are only possible because the party is in power at the federal level, Marriyum questioned, “When Usman Buzdar was the Chief Minister, whose government was in the federation?” She added, “Today, the entire nation salutes Shahbaz Sharif for his leadership.”
Touching on the issue of water distribution among provinces, she said, “No one’s water is being stolen. Punjab has its share, and Sindh has its share. If any province has reservations, the platform of the Council of Common Interest is available for discussion.”
The senior minister recalled that last year, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had announced a Rs 45 billion relief package for the people of Punjab. “Compare this to previous times when the country had run out of oil, flour, and sugar. We are no longer in that situation,” she said.
Lamenting the divisive political atmosphere, she noted, “Today, instead of working for the public good, we are busy giving speeches and abusing each other. Those who are a product of chaos can only bring more chaos.”
Marriyum Aurangzeb reiterated that the Chief Minister’s goal remains focused on providing relief to the people and strengthening governance despite financial hurdles. “If the national economy is damaged, everyone will be responsible,” she concluded.
