PM set to announce more major relief soon: Azma Bokhari

Those with vested interests in IPPs and power companies cannot tolerate public relief, says Azma Bukhari

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Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon reveal another major relief for the people.

In a press conference in the provincial capital Lahore, Azma Bokhari elaborated on the public relief provided by the government, economic stability, and the steps taken by the administration.

She said that after Eidul Fitr, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction in electricity prices, which will be extremely beneficial for the public during the hot summer months.

She mentioned that this relief was given at the right time, and the government achieved a great feat by convincing the IMF. She also shared that soon, the Prime Minister will announce another big good news.

The provincial minister criticised the opposition, stating that those who had vested interests in IPPs and power companies cannot tolerate the public relief.

Discussing the performance of the Punjab government, she mentioned that Ramadan utility markets saved the public Rs1.11 billion, where purchases worth Rs3.57 billion were made. Around 28,000 citizens received goods worth Rs 30 million through free home delivery from these markets.

By August, 13 new utility markets will be established, and the existing markets will be converted to solar energy at a cost of 690 million rupees.

She said that wherever Maryam Nawaz sees public interest, projects will be launched. Under the "Sahulat On The Go" pilot programme, mobile utility centres will be set up at 14 locations.

The government is also focused on cleanliness, availability of medicines, and job provision.

Azma Bokhari further stated that Rsone billion were spent to provide jobs to 100,000 people, and a structured cleanliness system was implemented during Eid.

Criticising the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, she said corruption stories are widely known in the province. She also expressed concern over Ghandapur's statement about spending Rs75 crore on the party.

Continuing her statement, she pointed out the deteriorating situation in health, education, and infrastructure in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and mentioned evidence of corruption in the purchase of basic equipment such as hand gloves.

She raised questions about the misallocation of funds in wheat procurement, the misuse of funds in the name of mosques, and the alleged misuse of pension funds.

The provincial minister termed the politics over water distribution as unfortunate and stated that instead of addressing the issue at rallies, Bilawal Bhutto should take on a responsible role.

At the end of the press conference, she expressed concerns over the environment in theatres and said that discussions had taken place with the Chief Minister regarding this issue. She further accused the theatres of attempting to blackmail her and threatening legal action.

Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday announced a reduction in electricity prices for domestic consumers by Rs7.41 per unit.

The price cut is part of the government's efforts to provide relief to Pakistanis while working to strengthen the economy.

The announcement, made during a special event attended by cabinet members and business leaders, follows a request made by the government to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) for a price reduction.