Government-PTI Negotiations Criticized by PPP
LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hasan Murtaza has raised concerns about negotiations between his party’s allies and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Murtaza highlighted the potential for the largest National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) in the country’s history to secure the release of a prisoner, criticizing the lack of transparency in the process.
Hasan Murtaza’s Critique of Negotiations
In a press conference at the People’s Secretariat in Model Town, Murtaza emphasized the need for negotiations on issues but opposed the idea of striking deals or resorting to NROs behind closed doors. He reiterated the PPP’s stance on not supporting NROs, stating that the party has never been involved in such ordinances in the past and will continue to uphold this principle in the future.
Murtaza expressed his intention to travel to various districts across Punjab to revitalize nonfunctional positions at the district level, starting with Gujranwala Division. He also announced the formation of a youth committee led by Mohsin Malhi to engage young people and the establishment of disciplinary committees at provincial and district levels.
PPP’s Concerns and Demands
The PPP general secretary highlighted the party’s role in sustaining the government while cautioning that a lack of consultation on key decisions could lead to both positive and negative repercussions. He stressed the importance of stability in Pakistan’s economy and politics for the country’s progress, urging the government to avoid unilateral actions that could undermine national interests.
Murtaza criticized the government’s policies on privatization, the imposition of a super tax on agriculture, and restrictions on farmers’ access to markets. He expressed dismay over decisions that he believes are detrimental to the agricultural sector and raised concerns about the impact of these policies on food security.
Calls for Collaboration and Fair Resource Distribution
The PPP general secretary accused the government of excluding his party from the distribution of national resources and subjecting them to retaliatory measures in Punjab. Despite these challenges, Murtaza emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed the party’s commitment to the coalition while advocating for fair and transparent decision-making processes.
In conclusion, Hasan Murtaza’s critique of the government-PTI negotiations sheds light on the complexities of political alliances and the need for transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. As the PPP navigates its role in the coalition, the party’s concerns about favoritism and policies impacting key sectors reflect broader challenges facing Pakistan’s political landscape.
