PPP lawmaker calls for separate South Punjab province in Senate

During a heated budget debate in Pakistan's Senate, PPP Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan ignited calls for the establishment of a separate South Punjab province. He argued that the sheer size of Punjab necessitates its division, emphasizing the historical importance of cities like Multan and Bahawalpur, which he stated supported Pakistan's creation.

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Seven million children are born in Pakistan annually, more than in all of Europe. What are we doing for their employment?

"We will not stay with 'Takht-i-Lahore'. We want our province. We want separation from Punjab," Hassan declared, echoing sentiments of regional autonomy. He further demanded specific developments for South Punjab, including an industrial zone, a high court, and a distinct share in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, alongside agricultural and IT universities. He invoked party leader Bilawal Bhutto's directive to advocate for the province, questioning the delay in creating "Seraikistan."

In a separate but related discussion on economic matters, an independent senator from Balochistan accused independent power producers (IPPs) of manipulating the government's solar policy. Senator Abdul Qadir claimed that the government faces substantial capacity charges, referring to IPPs as a "mafia that bulldozes every government." He challenged the government to conduct a forensic audit of IPP agreements, stating that electricity costs are burdening citizens across the economic spectrum.

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We will not stay with ‘Takht-i-Lahore’. We want our province. We want separation from Punjab.

Further adding to the political discourse, PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for stabilizing the country upon taking office amid fears of FATF sanctions and a Sri Lanka-like economic crisis. He criticized the previous PTI government's economic management, citing frequent changes in finance ministers and the appointment of an IPP owner as an energy adviser. Ali also leveled accusations against the PTI regarding national security and regional stability.

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Bilawal told us to fight for our province. Why is Seraikistan not being made a province?

Other senators from PML-N also weighed in, with Agha Shahzeb Durrani alleging PTI's involvement in denuclearization efforts and the appointment of "corrupt FBR officers." These exchanges underscore the deep-seated political and economic divisions within Pakistan, with regional aspirations and critiques of past governance dominating the Senate's agenda.

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Because of electricity, both the poor and the rich are suffering.