Nawaz laments country’s state of affairs

LAHORE: Criticising the decisions of the previous rulers, ruling PML-N President Nawaz Sharif said Saturday the country, which was achieving development goals, “is not being treated well.

“Justice is offered to a man roaming in the street,” said Nawaz, adding, “What is the need [of such decisions] which increased sufferings of this country,” the former premier questioned, lamenting that the country was successfully achieving the milestones of development and prosperity before his ouster from power in the wake of an apex court judgement.

Nawaz Sharif made these comments in a meeting co-chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz where issues related to the “Chief Minister Solar Panel Financing Scheme” were reviewed.

In his speech, Nawaz Sharif highlighted that paying electricity bills has become a problem for everyone, not just for the poor. He emphasized that during his tenure, his government ended loadshedding and maintained controlled electricity rates. Until 2017, electricity bills and the dollar rate were low.

Sharif questioned injustice in the country, noting that his government had sent the IMF back, but it was later brought back. He lamented the country’s poor treatment and urged decision-makers to care for the people and provide relief. “What is the need of such decisions which increased sufferings of this country,” the former premier questioned, lamenting that the country was successfully achieving the milestones of development and prosperity before his ouster from power.

He also took credit for maintaining a low inflation rate and a stable currency, as well as “getting rid of the IMF” programme but all positive efforts went in vain after the change of regime in 2018. “All of us know well who brought the IMF to this country again.”

“The decision-makers will have to think now and care about our people,” he insisted.

He asked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led administration “to do everything to provide relief to the masses”.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the simplification of the solar panel financing scheme and early completion of the required processes for its launching.

She issued these directions while chairing a special meeting co-chaired by PMLN President Nawaz Sharif reviewing matters related to the “Chief Minister Solar Panel Financing Scheme” on Saturday.

Energy Secretary Naeem Rauf, while giving a comprehensive briefing on the scheme, said that the test run of Chief Minister Solar Panel Financing Scheme has been launched at various sites. The rating and performance of solar panel systems will be monitored, and online monitoring through the Solar PV App is going on.

The scheme will be launched on August 14 after reviewing its test run success. Eligibility can be checked by sending a bill reference number and CNIC number to 8800. Successful consumers will be informed through SMS after a balloting process conducted by PITB. District administration and Discos will verify the credentials of successful consumers. A bar code and QR code will be imprinted on solar panels to prevent them from being sold in the market.

In the first phase, over one lakh consumers will receive solar panels through balloting. Consumers involved in electricity theft, having more than one metre, having out-of-order or tampered metres and not paying electricity bills will be ineligible for the scheme. Maryam Nawaz emphasized the economic impact of flour and electricity costs on people and promised maximum relief. She aims to extend the solar panel financing scheme’s scope gradually.

The chief minister praised all stakeholders for their excellent administrative and security arrangements on Ashura during a video link meeting with them. She appreciated each member by name, expressing pride in her team. On behalf of Nawaz Sharif, she congratulated everyone.

Maryam Nawaz praised the “Sabil on Wheels” initiative for mourners and the first-ever government-provided Niaz. She highlighted the efforts of provincial ministers to ensure peace and harmony by meeting scholars from different schools of thought before Ashura.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif noted the success of security arrangements without shutting down mobile and internet services and satisfactory traffic management across Punjab.

She acknowledged the risks taken by police officers and pledged to provide resources for their protection. The martyrdom of security officials weighed heavily on her heart, and she promised foolproof arrangements in future along with all possible facilities for pilgrims going to Iran and Iraq.