PTI’s Bold Challenge to Punjab: A Closer Look at Economic Realities
In a scathing critique of the Punjab government’s economic policies, PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram issued a bold challenge to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, inviting a comparison between Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). The accusations of mismanagement and anti-farmer policies were laid out during a news conference in Peshawar, where Akram highlighted the stark disparities in economic indicators under the two administrations.
The Economic Divide: PTI’s Success vs. PML-N’s Failures
Akram pointed out that during PTI’s tenure, poverty levels stood at 12%, while under the PML-N government, they have risen to 13%. Similarly, exports under PTI reached $31 billion, yet by 2024, they plummeted to $26 billion. The comparison painted a grim picture of the economic downturn allegedly exacerbated by the Punjab government’s policies.
Accusations of Deception and Mismanagement
The PTI spokesperson accused the PML-N of exploiting public institutions for personal gains, citing the renaming of basic health units and educational institutions after family members. He also criticized the Punjab government for its treatment of farmers, citing the mockery of PTI’s poultry program, now a success story, as evidence of their misguided policies.
Redefining Governance: K-P as a Model for Economic Stability
Amid the scathing critique of the Punjab government, Muzammil Aslam, adviser to the K-P chief minister, emphasized K-P’s governance as a model for economic stability. He highlighted the debt levels in K-P compared to Punjab, underscoring the alleged mismanagement and reckless policies of the PML-N administration.
In conclusion, the stark comparison drawn between Punjab and K-P by PTI’s leadership sheds light on the contrasting economic trajectories under the two governments. The challenge laid down by Sheikh Waqas Akram underscores the urgency of addressing the economic challenges facing Punjab and calls for a reevaluation of the current policies in place.
