General Secretary PPP Central Punjab Syed Hassan Murtaza demanded that issue of canals should be presented in the Council of Common Interests
General Secretary PPP Central Punjab Syed Hassan Murtaza demanded that issue of canals should be presented in the Council of Common Interests
General Secretary PPP Central Punjab Syed Hassan Murtaza demanded that issue of canals should be presented in the Council of Common Interests
Syed Hassan Murtaza, General Secretary of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab, has expressed serious concerns over the worsening canal issue, warning that the situation is becoming increasingly dire by the day. He cautioned that the canals might become as controversial as the Kalabagh Dam if immediate action is not taken.
Addressing a press conference, Murtaza stressed the need for strict implementation of the existing water distribution agreement. He criticized certain groups for attempting to limit the issue to Sindh alone, emphasizing that this is a national problem affecting the entire country. He raised a critical question: "Where will the water for the six canals come from when there is already a 20% shortage and 14% is lost to evaporation?"
Murtaza warned that a major disaster could occur if the issue is not addressed urgently. He asserted, "This problem cannot be resolved without convening a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI)."
Defending President Asif Ali Zardari, Murtaza stated, "President Zardari has never acted against national interests." He accused certain individuals of misleading the public through propaganda.
Speaking on farmers' issues, he demanded that cultivators be given their due rights, stating, "The water system is a blessing from Allah, not a favor from any ruler." He strongly criticized the tax burden on farmers, saying, "Farmers are dying, but the government is taking no practical steps to help them."
Commenting on electricity prices, he pointed out, "The government increased power tariffs by 70 rupees and reduced them by only 7 rupees and 41 paisas. Are the foreign trips of rulers more important than the problems of farmers?"
Murtaza clarified that while the PPP could take strict measures on the canal issue, the party believes in dialogue and consultation. "The PPP has never promoted provincial prejudice; we are a symbol of Pakistan's unity. If we were only interested in power, we could have taken ministerial positions, but we are working to strengthen the federation," he said.
Hassan Murtaza, extended his congratulations to Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his team members, including Humayun Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Amina Pracha, for their leadership. He urged them to continue playing their best role in upholding the rule of law, the Constitution, and the rights of the country's oppressed classes.
Murtaza also congratulated Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, the newly elected president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), and his team, expressing hope for collaborative efforts in addressing national challenges. He emphasized the importance of unity and democratic values in steering the country toward progress.
The press conference was also attended by other PPP leaders, including Mian Mushtaq Rahman, Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, Rao Babar Jameel, Rana Abdul Aziz, Zeeshan Shami, Agha Taqi, Mian Ateequr Rehman, and Hassan Ashraf Bhatti.
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