–PM urges people to ‘stay strong’ in face of rising inflation
–Says govt has to raise gas, electricity prices as power sector can’t borrow any more money
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged citizens to “stay strong” in the face of rising inflation and promised that the country “will make it through this time”.
Imran was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mother and Child Hospital in Rawalpindi.
“It is absolutely true that right now, our people are [facing] difficulties. Power is expensive, gas is expensive. I understand that inflation [is rising],” acknowledged the prime minister.
“But what I want you to understand is this: why do prices rise? It is because power and gas sectors are indebted. When our government came to power, debts [of both sectors] had risen to Rs1,300 billion. You only have two ways [to tackle debt]: either you take more loans — and our power sector is already so indebted that we cannot borrow anymore money — and so we have to raise prices.”
He said that the people will have to “live in difficulty” until the government “fixes the system” and repays the country’s debts.
Prices of basic commodities have been raised multiple times since the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf came into power. The latest increase in food prices came just before Ramzan. Prices of petroleum products also saw a massive hike last week, causing the price of petrol to increase by Rs9.42 and kerosene by Rs7.46 per litre.
In his speech, the prime minister promised that his government would try its best to “fulfill the basic needs of the people”, adding that the government has started Ehsas programme to mitigate sufferings of common people. “The provision of basic facilities to people is among fundamental responsibilities of the government,” he said.
He said that the government will provide loans to young people so they can start businesses, provide cows and buffaloes to residents of rural areas, and issue health cards to poor people so they can access medical care. He pointed out that the shelter homes, that were introduced in Lahore and Peshawar, were growing in number and were providing shelter and food to people who could not afford to pay rent.
Imran also announced that work on the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme was underway.
Imran Khan said the government has launched health insurance card and added that the government was trying to improve existing health facilities and establish new hospitals.
He said shelter homes were established across Pakistan, where people, especially labourers and travellers— will get free food and shelter.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said Sehat Insaf Card scheme will soon be introduced in Rawalpindi. He said Rs157 billion have been provided for 473 development projects in Rawalpindi Division.
The chief minister said Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology will be upgraded to a centre of excellence for heart-related diseases along with a facilitation centre for rehabilitation of patients suffering from paralysis.
Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed said the hospital will have 11 operation theatres to facilitate the people.