Punjab CM accuses federal govt of interference
Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has alleged that the federal government is interfering in the affairs of the provincial government, terming it ‘incomprehensible and unacceptable’.
Speaking to Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid who called on him, he said the attitude of the federal government towards Punjab and GB was not appropriate in any way. He noted that Pakistan is composed of federating units, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
He underscored that Pakistan would develop if all federating units developed together. Everyone has to move together to take the country forward as Pakistan would achieve its destination only through joint efforts, he added.
The chief minister said the Punjab government was working to promote inter-provincial harmony. “People living in Gilgit-Baltistan are our brethren and their development and prosperity is dear to us. The Punjab government will continue its role in the development of Gilgit-Baltistan,” he added.
He assured Gilgit-Baltistan of greater cooperation in the healthcare, education, information technology and other sectors.
The chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan thanked his counterpart for his cooperation and invited him to visit the region.
The cooperation of the Punjab government for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan was praiseworthy, he added.
The visiting leader said the federal government needed to reconsider its attitude.
Both chief ministers discussed the political situation and measures to promote inter-provincial harmony.
They also criticised the federal government's stance on various issues.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 8th, 2022.