LAHORE – After announcement of Rs14 relief in the electricity bills of the consumers in Punjab, the provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab locked horns and criticized each other.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday responded to the remarks by Sindh Chief Syed Murad Ali Shah who called the relief in electricity prices “foolish”.
Maryam Nawaz held a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore to honor the top position holders from across the province. Their parents and teachers were also invited to the event. Maryam Nawaz awarded the position holders with cash prizes, medals, and certificates.
During her speech, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz urged the students to serve and respect their parents and teachers. She said that these talented children are the pride of the nation.
Speaking about the reduction of Rs14 per unit in electricity prices in Punjab, she said, “We have provided relief in bills for two months. At least for these two months, people will experience some peace. This is not just short-term relief. Afterward, we are bringing a major solar energy project that will permanently free consumers from high bills,”.
In response to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s comment calling the reduction in electricity prices foolish, Maryam Nawaz said, “Someone used the word ‘foolish,’ and I laughed at it.”
Maryam Nawaz questioned the PPP-led Sindh government, asking, “Is pocketing corruption money, spending on protocols, jets, helicopters, and convoys of vehicles not foolish? But giving relief to the public is? If people can get even two months of relief, there is no greater honor and happiness for me.”
The Punjab Chief Minister expressed her regret and said, “I wish the whole of Pakistan could get relief. I am a Pakistani first and a Punjabi later. No one handed me the relief in Punjab as a gift,”.
It may be mentioned here that the previous day, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, without naming the Punjab government, criticized the announcements, saying that such foolish announcements cause them concern and that such bizarre announcements make them uneasy.
