Shafay voices concern over SC ruling on reserved seats

LALAMUSA: The Provincial Minister of Punjab for Trade and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, while talking to media in Gujrat, voiced his concerns over the Election Commission’s decision regarding reserved seats and discussed future plans for industrial and infrastructural development in the region.

Shafay Hussain questioned the legitimacy of allocating seats originally designated for the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

“The Election Commission rightly said that PTI was not entitled to reserved seats. How the seats which belonged to SIC were given to PTI?” he stated.

Reflecting on PTI’s tenure, provincial minister noted that the party had ample opportunities to govern and bring about change. “PTI got an opportunity to work in Punjab for three and a half years and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for nine years, so we should also get an opportunity for four years so that we can serve the people,” he asserted.

He emphasized the importance of granting his party a similar chance to demonstrate their capability in governance. Amid rising electricity costs, Shafay urged industries to transition to solar power.

“Industries should shift to solar systems due to rising electricity bills. Then there will be some relief,” he advised. Over the past three months, he has engaged in detailed discussions with 21 Chinese solar companies.

CEOs from two of these companies are set to visit Punjab next month. “We want Chinese companies to place solar manufacturing in the industrial estate. We will try our best to get relief to the industries,” he added.

He also addressed regional administrative changes, particularly the restoration of the Gujrat Division, which will encompass Mandi Bahauddin and Wazirabad. “Some people from Hafizabad came to me and they wanted to be allowed to stay in Gujranwala Division and not in Gujrat Division,” he mentioned.