Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday firmly announced that the government will not further increase gas and electricity tariffs as the inflation has been controlled and the prices of the commodities will move downward now.
Addressing a huge public gathering here after distributing Kafalat Cards among deserving people under anti-poverty Ehsaas program, he said, “I have decided not to increase the power tariff anymore because the people can’t afford anymore. I have decided to take all possible measures to bring down the power tariff in any way.” He said the prices surged in the past due to the contracts signed by the previous government, agreeing the purchase of power and gas at exorbitant prices. The incumbent government was helpless due to such unjustified contracts and the subsidies provided by the government swelled the circular debt, he added.
He said the government will talk to the power producers, urging them to bring down the power prices and close down the plants which are producing costly electricity as no more burden could be shifted to the people and industries. Similarly, he said, due to the 15-year gas contract signed by the previous government, Pakistan is getting gas supply at higher rates in the world.
The prime minister told the gathering that the government has started rectifying the system to provide job opportunities to the people and bring down the inflation. “We have started rectifying the system now. Don’t worry, difficult time is over. 2019 was even more difficult. Inflation has been controlled and the prices (of the commodities) will come down now,” he remarked.
The prime minister commenced his addressed by condemning the ongoing atrocities against Muslims in Indian-held Kashmir and New Delhi. He assured the eight million Kashmiri Muslims living under lockdown by the Indian occupation forces that whole of the Pakistani nation stands by them and prays for their steadfastness. He said he has been warning the world that if unchecked, the Modi’s Hindu supremacist agenda will lead to bloodshed which has now happened in New Delhi. He reiterated that the extremist ideology will not only target the Muslims but other communities including Christians, Sikhs and Dalits.
The prime minister reiterated that all those who created artificial inflation by hoarding the food commodities will be punished.
The prime minister said the launch of Kafalat Card in Mohmand area is in pursuance of the principles of State of Madina which took the responsibility of its poor people including their education, health and employment.
Referring to the sacrifices rendered by the people of tribal areas, he said even they are the main sufferers of the law and order situation in Karachi. He congratulated the chief minister and governor of KP over merger of tribal areas into KP and election in tribal areas as the elected representatives will highlight their issues in the parliament.
He told the gathering the government has selected Mohmand area for developing massive olive orchards to reduce the import bill for olive oil besides producing quality product. Besides, a marble industrial estate will be developed in Mohmand to create job opportunities and all the components of Ehsaas Program will be available for the people of Mohmand to uplift them. Moreover, he also announced that a project for water supply from Mohmand Dam to the area will be executed. He tasked Murad Saeed to ensure launch of 3G and 4G cellular services in the area.
To a demand for opening of Afghan border, the prime minister said the restoration of peace in Afghanistan will greatly benefit Pakistan particularly the tribal people vis-à-vis creation of employment and economic activity.
The prime minister advised the people not to vote a party with corrupt leadership as the countries are not poor for dearth of resources but due to corrupt rulers. Pointing to the Sharif family without naming them, the prime minister said whole of the family had fled abroad. He said after he took up the Panama issue, he faced multiple cases with six in the election commission alone and had produced 40-year contracts and documents in my defence. “Did I flee to London? Neither did I flee nor complained of victimization. When someone does not commit corruption, he needs not to flee,” he added.
