KARACHI: Criticising PTI Chairman Imran Khan for opposing the free electricity scheme announced by Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz for lifeline consumers, PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz Sharif, on Tuesday, promised that the scheme will be resumed after the July 17 by-polls.

Addressing a rally in Jhang, Ms Sharif called the former prime minister an “enemy of Punjab” for going to court against the scheme.

“Have you ever seen a public representative going to court against a relief extended to people?” she asked the participants.

While reassuring people that the scheme will be resumed after the by-polls, Ms Sharif said she had requested CM Hamza to gradually extend the relief to consumers using 200 and 300 units per month.

Calls Imran Khan ‘enemy of Punjab’ for moving court against the scheme

Hinting at a possible reduction in the prices of petroleum products, she told the gathering that on her way to Jhang, she had received a message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that he will soon announce a relief “to alleviate the sufferings of the masses.”

However, she blamed Mr Khan for the hike in the prices of petrol and diesel, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif had to increase the prices due to the previous government’s agreement with the IMF.

She said the PML-N-led government, by increasing the prices, saved the country from bankruptcy.

Anticipating people’s anger at rising inflation Ms Maryam reassured that government has taken all the tough decisions and now “there will be good news every day”.

Ms Maryam also criticised Mr Khan for being involved in electioneering in Punjab at a time when at least a dozen Khyber Pakhtunkhwa districts were flooded due to torrential rains.

“He should be asked about his responsibility towards KP. Yes, in other province there was US [backed] conspiracy, but there was none in KP. [Mr Khan should] go and serve the people there,” she said.

Ms Maryam also responded to Mr Khan’s assertion that PML-N leaders Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif have already prepared their next generation to take over the party’s reins.

“They [Nawaz and Shehbaz] have prepared their generations to serve the people. But what about you? If your politics ends today, your party would cease to exist.”

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2022