MPAs call for ‘separate’ South Punjab province

Say state of affairs in region is pathetic and cannot be described in words

LAHORE: Two lawmakers demanded the federal government create a new province in Punjab to steer people out of their problems.

The leadership of ‘Janoobi Punjab Sooba Mahaz' made their demand through a resolution they submitted in Punjab Assembly on Monday.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht and independent legislator Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak submitted the resolution.

They contended that the House demands the federal government create a new province in Punjab because people were facing serious issues for a long time. They added that rulers did nothing for them expect make tall claims.

Later, while addressing a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, they said the movement they launched is essential for the survival of Pakistan.

The relations among the provinces will be strengthened if the province of South Punjab is created. "The people of south Punjab drink water, along with animals, from accumulated water. The state of the area is pathetic and it cannot be described in words."

He added that it should not be considered a matter of ego, but should be decided keeping in view the interest of people of the province. "Political parties are not doing anything for the people of South Punjab. There is a need to take the issue seriously." Talking about the issue of deciding the capital city of the province, he said that it would be determined after discussion with all concerned. Hashim said that Rahim Yar Khan and Multan were developed in the past, but now the situation was completely different. He said that the issue of south Punjab must be settled.

Opposition leader Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed supported the resolution, saying that five years have gone by but the people of south Punjab haven't only been given ‘lollipops’. The PTI would create a new province after coming into power, he said. The government has failed to steer people away from problems.

Rasheed continued that the government exploited farmers in the name of sugarcane and now the growers are suffering the same due to wheat. The opposition leader said ministers were busy making money instead of thinking about helping poor people of south Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 17^th, 2018.