ISLAMABAD, 27 April 2008 — Deputies belonging to the ruling coalition in Pakistan want an early solution to Pakistan’s economic problems. This reporter talked to a number of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders and found that they are more worried about their country’s economic development than political issues that are generally discussed in newspaper columns.
PPP’s Member of National Assembly Khalis Ghurki said, “we badly need energy to run our industries. We have inherited load-shedding from Shaukat Aziz. While prime minister he just boasted that Pakistan’s economy was growing fast. Now the people of Pakistan are hard pressed by load-shedding, shortages of essential food items and growing prices of basic commodities.”
Another PPP MNA Ramesh Kumar from Larkana said, “you must have observed acute shortage of electricity. During Benazir Bhutto’s second government private companies were allowed to set up power plants but Shaukat Aziz government could not add a single unit for power generation”.
Senator Waqar Kahan, who commands support of 12 independent senators including his father Gulzar Khan and brother Amar Khan said the coalition had promised restoration of judges and the two major parties of the coalition (PPP and Nawaz Sharif-led Muslim League) were working hard to resolve this issue but in my opinion we need fast solution to economic problems.
“Economic growth alone can ensure the survival of Pakistan. It’s a changing world. Our neighbor India has made tremendous economic development. Why do we lag behind? In my view coalition should focus more on economic development.”
He too was critical of former prime minister Shaukat Aziz. “During every budget Shaukat Aziz would say Pakistan’s GDP was crossing 7 percent figure. But in real terms Pakistan’s GDP stuck at 4.5 percent.”
Being an energy tycoon himself, Senator Waqar Khan suggested quick establishment of power plants.
“I was punished by former President Farooq Leghari for making huge investment over barge mounted power plant with famous Westinghouse of the USA. Farooq, had a personal grudge against the PPP and my family, so he discouraged Westinghouse to set up 1000 MW power plant.
Khan was optimistic about the development of the energy sector by the present government. “We are hard-pressed by international oil price. Its hitting common man badly,” he added.
