Confrontation Against People's Party Launched to Divert Attention from Flood Victims: Ali Qasim Gilani
Confrontation Against People's Party Launched to Divert Attention from Flood Victims: Ali Qasim Gilani
LAHORE: Pakistan People's Party Member of National Assembly Ali Qasim Gilani has alleged that a confrontation against the People's Party has been initiated to divert public attention from flood devastation. He stated that the current government now considers the People's Party, rather than Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, as its real political opponent.
Ali Qasim Gilani was addressing a press conference at the People's Secretariat Model Town, attended by Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema, Ali Saanul, Aqeela Yousaf, Faiza Malik, and Bushra Manzoor Manika. Dr. Zarar Yousaf, Rana Amir, Umer Saleem, and Edwin Suhotra were also present.
Ali Qasim Gilani remarked, "You think Punjab ends after Jhang. If Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan are not part of Punjab, then we won't talk." He added that they are not obligated to keep praising the Muslim League (N) or Punjab government. He noted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and he himself had praised the Punjab team in Muzaffargarh, but several red lines were crossed through hate propaganda against People's Party leadership, which will not be tolerated.
Gilani stated that comments were also made against the First Lady, which is extremely regrettable. "The People's Party has every right to respond. We have placed all our demands with the federal government."
He announced that they would await the decision of the People's Party's Central Executive Committee meeting scheduled for later this month. "We are accustomed to rejecting big positions; these are very small positions. We leave it to the leadership whether they want to keep us in government or opposition."
Ali Qasim Gilani criticized Information Minister Azma Bukhari, saying she has resumed making allegations and counting People's Party press conferences. "I want to ask Azma Bukhari how many press conferences were held before September 25?"
He stated that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari visited Kasur and Multan and provided tents worth seven crore rupees. Tents worth four and a half crore rupees were given in Multan, and two and a half crore rupees worth of tents were distributed in Muzaffargarh and Bahawalnagar. "We are providing food to 500 people daily because we were not taught the politics of hatred and division."
Gilani questioned, "If we requested something from BISP, what's the sin in that? Did these one million rupees reach any flood victim?" He said there is a need to build dignified shelters for victims. The tents and cots provided by the Punjab government have been taken back.
"I wish Bilawal Bhutto were Prime Minister today, then the victims wouldn't have to look toward the Punjab government this way. The federal government is absent in this entire situation." He also expressed gratitude for the Army Chief's visit to Jalalpur Pirwala.
Ali Qasim Gilani stated, "You accused Bilawal Bhutto of cutting the Prime Minister's roots. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif should respond to the Punjab government declaring Bilawal Bhutto a security risk." He added that if any Foreign Minister has had the best performance, it is Bilawal Bhutto, who played his role in Islamophobia issues, improving Pakistan-US relations, and in Germany and India.
Responding to media questions, he said the demand from Punjab government is why Punjab has not yet imposed the National Disaster Act. "This disaster is bigger than before, so explain why the Punjab Prevention Committee Act is not being implemented?"
He stated that the people of Jalalpur Pirwala are asking the Punjab government, "Did we drown due to natural disaster or government incompetence?" The bridge from which the Chief Minister addressed was constructed by the People's Party. The motorway has been destroyed at thirteen locations, which will take six months to repair.
Gilani said, "If security has been withdrawn for raising the voice of Southern Punjab, it is an honor for us. No one can stop us from speaking for the people; we came here with their votes." He revealed that Ali Haider Gilani was held hostage by TTP and Al-Qaeda for three years, and security was provided on the District Security Committee's recommendation. "Security has also been withdrawn from our home."
He stated that survey work is ongoing, which has not yet been completed in many areas. Aid will be provided when this is completed. "A fever patient needs Panadol immediately, not after two months. Lahore is the heart of Punjab, but please also pay attention to Leah, Alipur, and Muzaffargarh."
Responding to a question, Ali Qasim Gilani said that to see the real performance of the People's Party, one must visit Southern Punjab. He mentioned that patwaris are not filling survey forms for those without land ownership. "A widow woman sitting on a landlord's land is not being compensated for her losses. The Punjab government should state its policy on this."
On another question, Ali Qasim Gilani said, "If the minister wants to visit Multan and Muzaffargarh, she is welcome, but she should travel in my car without a DSP, and I will introduce her to the real victims." He stated that victim numbers cannot be taken from bureaucracy. "This is a wrong figure; actually, sixty to sixty-five lakh people are affected by floods."
People's Party Central Punjab General Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema stated that the canal issue was Punjab's case, which Sindh fought. "Three times more water charges are being collected from farmers, and farmers' blood is being squeezed by computerizing water charges."
He said that instead of naming People's Party 32 times, the Information Minister should have answered those 45 issues. "Kindergarten-like behavior is unacceptable; don't do this."
Shahzad Saeed Cheema further stated that the Punjab government did not even take important stakeholders into confidence for relief. "Testimony has to be given for Benazir Income Support Program, otherwise create MISP. Correct your record, have a debate with me."
The Information Secretary said that Chaudhry Pervez Elahi's cardiology and 1122 services are enough to remember his name. "Our constitution-making and BISP creation cannot be forgotten. The People's Party is the guardian of the constitution, and the constitution defines boundaries. The People's Party has made sacrifices for democracy, constitution, and parliament."
He mentioned that a hundred years ago, an Englishman William Wilson praised Punjabis in his book. "I, Ali Qasim Gilani, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Hassan Murtaza are Punjabis. Now you also read the book to see whether they are Punjabi or not."
Shahzad Saeed Cheema said, "If you provide facilities by taking my blood, we will be hurt. If you are sincere with farmers, then announce not to import wheat and sugar."
In the press conference, the People's Party leadership made it clear that they stand with flood victims and will continue to demand accountability from the Punjab government.
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