Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal disclosed on Saturday that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has directed the federal and Punjab governments to reduce expenses and provide relief to the public.
The instructions were issued during a consultative meeting of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday, which was chaired by the party president, Nawaz Sharif.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Energy Minister Awais Leghari provided a detailed briefing on ongoing reforms in the energy sector.
The focus of these reforms, they said, is to ensure the supply of affordable and uninterrupted electricity to the people.
The PML-N supremo emphasised the need for stringent oversight of government expenditures, instructing both the federal and provincial administrations to identify areas where savings can be made and redirect those funds towards public welfare initiatives.
"Just as we resolved the energy crisis in 2013, we must tackle this challenge with the same resolve and prevent the public from suffering," Nawaz Sharif said.
The meeting also included a briefing from the Punjab Local Government Minister on preparations for upcoming local government elections and related legislation.
Nawaz Sharif urged the provincial government to establish an effective local governance system that addresses the issues faced by the populace at their doorstep. He stressed that the necessary reforms must be finalized promptly to ensure the local government system is both efficient and beneficial to the citizens.
Ahsan Iqbal, who also serves as the PML-N’s Secretary General, revealed that discussions were held on revitalizing and organizing the party. A special meeting will be convened soon to devise a comprehensive plan for this purpose.
The primary objective of the current meeting, he added, was to strengthen the party's organizational structure and present the performance reports of both the federal and Punjab governments to the party president.
In a broader context, Nawaz Sharif instructed the federal and provincial governments to concentrate their efforts on public welfare, advising them to minimize expenses to ease the financial burden on the people and help stabilize the economy.
Meanwhile, Ahsan Iqbal took the opportunity to criticize Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, stating that the current turmoil in the country is a direct consequence of his "inept and stubborn leadership."
Mr `Iqbal dismissed claims made by the opposition regarding Imran Khan’s treatment in jail, asserting that Khan enjoys privileges akin to those of a five-star hotel.
He added that the PML-N government had faced worse circumstances without resorting to complaints.
Iqbal further stated that there will be no dialogue with Imran Khan until he apologizes for the events of May 9. He alleged that PTI is now seeking an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) by appealing to the U.S. Congress, but categorically asserted that no such concession would be granted.
