PML-N deprived South Punjab of basic rights: Bakhtiar

Minister says party brought 51% of people below poverty line

Economic Affairs Division Minister Khusro Bakhtiar on Monday lambasted the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz for “ignoring South Punjab” during its stint in the most populated province of the country for around 21 years.

“South Punjab remained deprived of resources in PML-N’s tenure. The party also brought 51 per cent of the population below the poverty line,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.

Bakhtiar, the Janoobi Punjab Suba Mahaaz (JPSM) supremo, had been part of the PML-N government, however, decided to part ways before the 2018 general elections on reservations over non-fulfillment of promises by the then ruling government.

In the past, he said every government after coming into power had made tall claims regarding the development of South Punjab. But, no practical measures were taken for the area people’s basic rights, including health and education, Bakhtiar added.

The PML-N ruled Punjab for 10 years from 2008-2018, the minister said, adding that the party only spent 17% out of the 28% uplift funds allocated for the region on paper. He alleged that the N-league has always followed politics of divide and rule, which was aimed at depriving the area of its basic rights and demand for a separate province.

Bakhtiar claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf being the Centre’s representative party believes in the equal rights of under-developed areas.

Talking about the achievements of the incumbent government, he said the PTI has set up a separate secretariat for the South Punjab’s people welfare. Moreover, administrative secretaries have also been posted after the appointment of an additional chief secretary and additional IG Police. The government has allocated 35% of the budget quota for the region, the minister said, adding: “We have ensured that this fund will only be spent in South Punjab.”