PPP pushes for changes to local govt bill, addresses farmers’ concerns; PML-N seeks technical review of water issues
LAHORE: After months of back-and-forth, the PPP and PML-N made some headway on several contentious issues regarding power sharing in Punjab during a meeting on Sunday. The meeting, held at the Governor’s House, focused on local government elections and concerns from the farming community in Punjab. Another round of discussions is expected in a few days, with PML-N likely to propose solutions.
This was the fifth meeting of the coordination committees of both parties, with key figures including PM’s political adviser Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar (via video link). PPP was represented by Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Ali Haider Gilani, and Hassan Murtaza.
PPP leader Hassan Murtaza told the media that despite reservations, both parties decided to continue their collaboration, considering the current national situation. The PPP emphasized the urgent need for local government elections in Punjab, advocating for grassroots democracy and local empowerment. Murtaza also expressed concerns about the current local government bill, calling it undemocratic and open to political victimization, and demanded amendments to safeguard democratic values.
The PPP further highlighted issues faced by sugarcane farmers in the province, claiming they were being denied their rightful share. Murtaza urged the provincial government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, to address these concerns swiftly and ensure fair compensation. Both parties agreed to continue dialogue to resolve these and other agricultural sector issues.
The meeting also discussed the establishment of two universities, one in Gujjar Khan and another in Pind Dadan Khan, with PML-N agreeing to come back next week with potential solutions.
Regarding the ongoing Sindh-Punjab water dispute, PML-N leader Malik Ahmed Khan said the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) was the proper forum for resolving water issues. He emphasized the importance of adhering to an established formula for water distribution between Punjab and Sindh. Khan noted that climate change had exacerbated water shortages in various parts of Punjab, including Kasur, Chiniot, and Sargodha, leading to a 10 million acre-feet reduction in water availability.
The PML-N leader stressed that the water dispute should be addressed based on technical data rather than political stances, with every federating unit having the right to protect its share of water.
