PPP threatens to join opposition

Lawmakers criticise budget, demand fair allocation of resources

LAHORE:

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed strong concerns over the perceived discrimination against the public of South Punjab, threatening to sit on the opposition benches if the government's injustices continue.

On the second consecutive day of the "general discussion on the annual budget 2024-25," lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches debated whether the budget was "pro-people or anti-people."

Some lawmakers strayed from the budget discussion, instead defending their leaders and blaming each other for the current economic crises. The opposition accused the PML-N of having a "eunuch's military wing" that attacks police stations and PTI lawmakers.

PPP's Mumtaz Ali Khan Chaang voiced his frustration, stating, "It is unfair that we are sitting on the government benches, yet our concerns are not being addressed." He lamented that the people of Rahim Yar Khan and other areas in the region are deprived of basic facilities, with the government's focus seemingly confined to Lahore.

"They deserve a 34% share of the budget, but nothing is given to them," he complained.

"It is highly regrettable that PPP is part of the government, yet not even a single penny was allocated for my constituency, Rahim Yar Khan."

Chaang highlighted the lack of schools, colleges, clean drinking water, road infrastructure, medicines, hospitals, and basic facilities in his constituency.

He questioned the justification for being part of the government under such circumstances.

He also offered the government a 50-acre plot of free land, demanding the construction of a college or university to provide standard education to the children of South Punjab.

He further suggested that if the government is not willing to provide relief, South Punjab areas should be included in Sindh province.