Govt plans legal battle for wheat import

CM says federal govt also ignored flood victims

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has announced that the provincial government would approach the Supreme Court against denial of permission by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to import wheat.

Talking to the media after laying the foundation stone of development schemes in Gujrat, he said the province had sought the permission from the federal government to import wheat for its people. However, neither the provincial government nor the private sector, have been allowed to import wheat.

He said the provincial government's request was different from the case of the private sector and the prime minister should comprehend his remarks before responding to them.

The chief minister alleged that the federal government was hindering the supply of wheat and flour to the people and it had not helped the flood victims either.

"The federal government should allow us to import wheat. It provided wheat to other provinces, except Punjab. We will take this issue to the Supreme Court," he announced.

He also said that the Ehsas ration programme was former prime minister Imran Khan's flagship initiative to provide subsidised commodities to eight million families and the best example of targeted subsidy.

The Punjab government has allocated billions of rupees for the programme.

He said funds were being deposited in the bank accounts of deserving families and 10 per cent commission was given to the retail shops registered under the programme.

"This program has created employment opportunities and the poor are getting subsidised items," he added.

He said the opposition in Punjab was in disarray and "we are stronger than before".

He said the number of assembly members from his coalition had increased in Punjab and the newly elected lawmakers would take oath on Monday.

He said his government had carved out five new districts with consultations. The creation of new districts is creating thousands of employment opportunities, he added.

"The Sharif family ruled Punjab for 15 years but did not invest any money in Gujrat. We are trying to make up for the shortfall of 15 years in one year," he claimed.

The CM laid the foundation stone of Samman to Gujrat-Dinga dual road and flyover project to be completed with Rs2.83 billion.

He also laid the foundation stone of the 29km long Gujrat-Lakhanwala dual road project costing Rs9.11 billion. The road project will be completed in four phases.

Former federal minister Moonis Elahi, MNA Hussain Elahi, MPA Abdullah Yusuf Waraich and several officials were present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2022.