Subsidy: controversy refuses to die down

Bilawal to sit down with PM to tackle disparities

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI/LAHORE/PESHAWAR:

As the political tensions over the Punjab power subsidy continue to simmer, the PPP has decided to raise its concerns to the PML-N – its coalition partner – over the government's economic policies and the unfulfilled agreement concerning Punjab.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is slated to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday (today) at the Prime Minister's House, where the premier will host a dinner in his honour.

Sources suggest that Bilawal intends to voice his reservations about the government's decision to offer subsidies exclusively in Punjab, despite IMF restrictions being cited as the reason for withholding similar relief on a federal level.

In the meeting, Bilawal is expected to push for a long-term solution to the soaring electricity costs by advocating for the use of Thar's coal reserves to generate cheaper power.

Besides, he will urge the federal government to engage in dialogue with Sindh over electricity issues to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources.

Maryam Nawaz

On the other hand, just a day after a heated exchange with the Sindh government over Punjab's subsidy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz appeared to be taking steps to calm the political waters.

In an apparent bid to lower the temperature, she lauded Sindh's successful initiatives and underscored the importance of inter-provincial cooperation.

"If we provide relief to the people of Sindh, I will be the happiest," she remarked and stressed the need to adopt successful initiatives from Sindh.

Conversely, she pointed out the ongoing efforts in Punjab that Sindh should take note of.

Maryam made these comments during a meeting with officers from the 7th Civil Service Training Programme of Sindh, where she stressed her administration's commitment to financial relief and governance improvements in Punjab.

Talking about her government's Rs45 billion relief provided to the public in electricity bills, she expressed her desire to offer more assistance if resources permitted.

Additionally, Maryam discussed the digitalisation efforts in Punjab to reduce corruption and improve access to government services, particularly for overseas Pakistanis.

Addressing the challenges in the health sector, the chief minister spoke about the ongoing efforts to outsource waste management for the first time across districts. She further stressed the importance of research and development to decrease dependence on imported seeds and called for embracing change to drive progress and prosperity.

Maryam expressed gratitude for the continuous support from the bureaucracy in implementing various projects.

Murad Ali Shah

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the provincial government will now set its own electricity tariffs, a move expected to address the ongoing issues related to expensive power.

Speaking to journalists in Karachi, Murad Ali Shah stated that while Sindh has been involved in electricity transmission and distribution, it has now established a company to generate electricity.