Opposition leader blasts government's inadequate response to power cuts and inflation

In Lahore, on April 6, 2025, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, criticized the government's recent decision to reduce the power tariff by just Rs7, arguing that this meager reduction does not address the significant financial burden on the population. He noted that the power rates had reached Rs60, which was substantially higher than the Rs17 during the previous PTI government. Additionally, inflation in the region has increased dramatically, with essential commodities, like sugar, reaching prices of up to Rs200 per kg, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan. Bhachar emphasized that the government's policies have failed to benefit the agriculture sector. He mentioned that wheat prices have soared to Rs2,000 for a 40kg sack, creating favorable conditions for hoarders and further straining farmers. While the farmers grew canola, the government prioritised importing soybeans. Furthermore, he criticized the government's promises regarding solar panels and inverters, asserting that the necessary equipment was inadequate for operating tubewells to support agricultural needs. He claimed only three companies were involved in the solar program, raising questions about transparency. The Opposition Leader also expressed concern over the financial burden imposed by the Suthra Punjab program, which has added extra costs to utility bills. On the issue of healthcare, he warned that the government intends to outsource services at Jinnah Hospital, accusing the chief minister of being more focused on making social media videos than addressing pressing state issues. Bhachar lamented that the privatization of education has already decimated this sector, and he pointed out that crime rates in Punjab had risen by 33 percent during Ramazan, indicating a deteriorating situation. Moreover, he accused the government of deliberately hindering the PTI founder Imran Khan's meetings, asserting that this repression is pushing the nation towards instability. Bhachar extended his critique to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party, urging him to protest against proposed canals on the Indus River that are likely to diminish water supply for Punjab farmers. He called for unity among opposition parties to confront what he views as government mismanagement and further deterioration of civil society during these challenging times.