Voice of opposition: PTI will protest move to privatise PIA, says Sarwar

Sarwar says the party will struggle for the rights of PIA workers

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Punjab Organiser Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar has said that the government’s decision to privatise Pakistan International Airlines, the national carrier, had exposed the vulnerability of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and showed that it was incapable of running affairs of the country.

He said the PTI would protest these plans at every forum.

Sarwar was addressing a gathering of PTI officials on Wednesday. PTI Punjab deputy organiser Omer Sarfraz Cheema was also present.

“If the government cannot run national institutions, why are they governing the country?” Sarwar said.

He said businesses and organisations owned by those in the ruling party were doing well. “It is surprising that none of the state institutions are performing in a similar fashion,” he said.

The PTI, he said, was opposed to the government’s move to privatise national institutions. He said the PTI would protect the rights of the PIA employees.

“Every segment of the society is out on the streets, protesting over one thing or the other,” he said. “It reflects on failed policies of the government.”

Sarwar said the PTI had the capability to resolve problems faced by the masses if they were given a chance by the people.

“Only honest leaders can steer the country out of this crisis,” he said.

Sarwar said it would end to corruption in national institutions and work on making national institutions profitable.

He said the increase in the cost of Neelum-Jhelum Project from Rs32 billion to Rs480 billion was tantamount to looting of the national exchequer.

“Those responsible must be arrested and brought to justice,” he said. Sarwar said accountability was the only way to ensure that institutions remained transparent.

“Ever since this government came into power, it has been preoccupied with its own interests, instead of resolving issues plaguing this nation,” Sarwar said. He said this had created an impossible situation for the poor of the nation.  “Such complacency should be protested at all forums,” Sarwar said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2015.