Central Information Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Nadeem Afzal Chan, launched a scathing critique of the Punjab government on Monday, asserting that ordinary rainfall has exposed the systemic failures of the “Suthra Punjab” initiative. Speaking to the media, Chan argued that the widespread water accumulation across the province was not a result of heavy precipitation but stemmed from a collapsed sewerage system and poor urban planning, causing billions of rupees in losses for the public.
Critique of Governance and Priorities
Chan lambasted the provincial government’s priorities, stating that irrigation has been omitted from its agenda. He drew a stark comparison, claiming the irrigation system developed during the British era was superior to the current one, which has deteriorated due to chronic underfunding. “The damage is not from heavy rain but from the collapse of the sewerage system and poor planning,” Chan said, directly attributing the crisis to administrative negligence.
Food Security and Wheat Procurement Controversy
Turning to food security, Chan reiterated the PPP’s repeated about a looming wheat shortage. He noted that Pakistan achieved a wheat surplus only once, during a PPP government. “Check the price of bread in this country,” he challenged, accusing the federal government of neglecting farmer procurement while announcing the purchase of 1 million tons of wheat. Chan alleged that in Punjab, contracts for wheat procurement were awarded to 11 companies using public funds, with police involvement in the process. He further claimed that wheat supplies from Kashmir were being blocked, despite the region’s own flour shortages.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice and Governance Failures
Chan challenged the government to review the condition of public schools in Punjab, accusing it of failing to ensure transparent elections and good governance. He charged that policies are copied without implementation and questioned the ownership of the 11 companies awarded government contracts. “Those who speak about the elite are correct,” he said, linking the issue to broader concerns about elite capture.
On the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, Chan alleged that PML-N candidates were involved in ballot stuffing in Kotli. He defended PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s call for parliamentary representation for Kashmiris, stating, “If there is any other solution for the right to self-determination and ownership, present it. We have come out to save the state. Do not wound the state further just to run your buses and planes.” He warned that if the administration is not impartial, voters would reject a particular party.
Sindh Ministers Weigh In on AJK Elections and Water Rights
Sindh Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani corroborated allegations of electoral violence, claiming PML-N candidates fired on PPP workers during the AJK election campaign. He criticized the Election Commission’s lack of visibility and alleged that sending buses before elections was a ploy for attention and votes. Ghani also condemned remarks that named two cities of one province, saying it hurt the sentiments of the people of Sindh. “This is why people say that PML-N is not a federal party, it is a Punjab party,” he stated.
Ghani expressed confidence that fair elections in Kashmir would yield results similar to those in Gilgit-Baltistan. He noted that Kashmiris residing in Sindh and Karachi are aware of the facilities available there. On water rights, Ghani highlighted the PPP’s unique stance against India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. “Our demand is that the treaty should be implemented and that each province should receive its due share of water as per the agreement,” he said.
Spokesperson for the Sindh Government, Sadia Javed, reinforced the party’s position, stating that no one has been allowed to usurp Sindh’s water in the past and will not be allowed to do so in the future. She recalled that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had also protested for Sindh’s water rights. The PPP leadership expressed hope the party would emerge victorious in the AJK elections.
