NAROWAL: Federal Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif says the country will get out of financial difficulties within the next one or two years as the indicators of the economy have started improving, which would lead to prosperity at the national and provincial levels.

He says the PTI wants economic instability in the country to weaken the government of the PML-N and its allies, adding that PTI leadership is spreading chaos and confusion so that the process of accountability against it could stop.

He stated this on the inauguration of the Punjab government’s ‘Clinic-on-Wheels’ programme in Sialkot on Sunday.

“The PTI wants to come back to power after getting rid of the process of accountability. The party is now calling the chief justice of Pakistan domineering while it seems that after a few days, it will also call the army chief Dabang Sapah Salar,” the federal minister said and added that in the past, the PTI was offering to extension to retired Gen Bajwa as the army chief for life.

Asif said the PTI could not start any development project during its four years in government but signs of change were visible during the previous government of PML-N. The people trusted us (PML-N) and gave the government for five years, he claimed.

“The foundation of sustainable and strong economic, education and health systems has been laid in the country. Punjab province is being led by a new generation under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz. We are happy that our 35/40 years of hard work is in safe hands and this series of public service will continue.”

The minister said there would be changes at national and provincial level in the five years tenure of the PML-N as the economic indicators were gradually improving.

“The country’s economy was earlier on ventilators but now it has started breathing on its own. There will be a pleasant change in the life of Pakistanis in the next couple of years.”

Khawaja Asif announced the launch of four mega projects in Sialkot soon, including the ring road around the city to connect it with Wazirabad Road, Eminabad, Daska and Pasrur Road.

The Eminabad to Dharamkot road would be constructed with the funds of the federal government and Rs17bn would be spent on both the projects. He said that a girls college, Police Lines, District Jail and government offices would be shifted.

The minister announced that a park would be constructed in the centre of Sialkot city on 53 acres of land while the general bus stand would also be shifted outside the city to reduce the increasing traffic pressure.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2024