'PML-N govt failed to deliver in Punjab'

THE NEWS Senior Federal Minister for Production Chudhary Pervez Elahi said on Wednesday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had failed to deliver and solve the problems of the people of Punjab. Addressing elders and notables of Attock division, Pervez Elahi criticized the PML-N leader for inciting the people for civil disobedience, and taking to streets. "Many projects initiated by the Pakistan Muslim League-Q for the uplift and welfare of the people have been stopped by the PML-N government," he alleged. Recounting the achievements during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister, he said work on around 37 social sector projects was launched including Rescue-122 Service, which had helped around 1.7 million people so far. He said around 300 patrolling posts were set up by his government across the province to maintain law and order. Besides, it had a plan to increase the number of posts to 600. But, the "Khadam Ala" stopped the development work on a number of project initiated by the PML-Q government, he alleged. Pervez Elahi said around Rs 15 to 20 billion have been wasted in the name of 'Sasti Roti'. There was around Rs.100 billion in the kitty when the PML-Q left the Punjab government, while the province is now Rs 500 billion deficit, he added. He was of the view that Punjab's economy had been badly affected due to the poor policies of the PML-N government. Pervez Elahi said his government had upgraded around 64,000 schools and provided free of cost books to deserving children besides appointment of around 75,000 teachers. During his tenure the literacy rate in Punjab was 62 percent, which has unfortunately declined now, he added. He alleged that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was not appointing teachers in 42 colleges of the province established by his government. He said around 37,000 km roads were constructed during his tenure while many development projects were launched for the uplift of the Southern Punjab. Pervez Elahi thanked people of Attock for electing him as Member of National Assembly and assured them that all available resources would be utilized to solve the problems of the area. Former Nazim of Attock Maj Thair Saddiq said uninterrupted electric supply would be ensured in the area. Criticizing the policies of Punjab government, he said the PML-N had not initiated even a single worth-mentioning project for welfare of the people in the province.