Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal compared the political changes of 2018 to the tragic events of East Pakistan, asserting that a conspiracy involving a few judges and generals played a pivotal role in altering country's political landscape.
Addressing a presser, Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the Lahore government’s sound decisions have propelled stock exchanges to a notable 75,000 points.
He announced a critical meeting on May 24 in Lahore to chart the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), underscoring the urgency of addressing the country’s $75 billion debt.
The Minister voiced concerns about the unsustainable electricity rates, noting that half the population refuses to pay their bills, pushing rates beyond the tolerance of the average citizen.
He called for the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to adopt a reconciliatory approach to resolve ongoing issues, rather than inciting unrest.
Iqbal declared the end of a culture of non-payment, insisting that every citizen must contribute their share in bills and taxes.
He warned that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is poised for another disruption akin to the events of May 9, urging strict national action to safeguard Lahore’s development.
Reflecting on the economic front, Iqbal stressed the need for an “economic long march” to replace political protests, challenging the Indian Prime Minister's policies towards Pakistan.
He criticized the Neelum-Jhelum Power Project, initiated during Pervez Musharraf's regime, for its hasty commencement and flawed design. The Prime Minister has called for an inquiry to identify those accountable for these defects.
Iqbal revealed that Lahore’s government revenue stands at Rs 7 trillion, while its debt has soared to Rs 8 trillion. He stressed that citizens should not be burdened further by demands to allocate half the budget for relief.
