Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, the Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, has emphasized the urgency for the new government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to prioritize the completion of three crucial energy supply projects: CASA 1000, TAPI, and the Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline. These projects are seen as vital for addressing Pakistan’s energy crisis and breaking free from the constraints of international debt and dependence.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor highlighted that the deliberate delays in these energy projects by previous administrations under the influence of international creditors have hindered Pakistan’s progress. He praised the caretaker government’s decision to complete the IP Gas Pipeline within Pakistan and urged the current government to continue this effort. Shakoor also noted the commencement of work on CASA-1000 in Afghanistan as a positive step towards regional energy cooperation.
Shakoor called upon the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief Justice of Pakistan to establish a legal and national security framework to safeguard these projects, asserting that energy security is an integral component of national security. He stressed the importance of a united effort by all patriotic political parties, both within and outside the parliament, to advance the national interest and achieve energy sufficiency.
The completion of these energy projects is projected to provide affordable gas and electricity for both domestic and industrial use, potentially eradicating the issue of load shedding in Pakistan. Shakoor’s remarks were made during a Pasban Steering Committee meeting, where he provided details about each project. CASA-1000 aims to export surplus hydropower from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, while the TAPI Gas Pipeline and the IP Gas Pipeline are expected to facilitate natural gas transport from Turkmenistan and Iran to Pakistan and beyond.
Shakoor’s call to action includes leveraging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s renowned efficiency to expedite these long-delayed projects, which he believes will play a critical role in elevating Pakistan out of poverty and deprivation by securing its energy needs.
Karachi, The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Karachi Division, through its Deputy Secretary Information and Convenor East District Asif Khan, has publicly condemned the ongoing political rivalry and alleged election irregularities in Sindh. The statement highlighted accusations against unnamed political entities for engaging in activities aimed at undermining the PPP’s electoral success and the integrity of the voting process in specific constituencies within Karachi.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Asif Khan articulated a strong stance against what he termed as revenge politics, asserting that the PPP does not indulge in such practices. This claim was substantiated by emphasizing that there are no political prisoners in Sindh’s jails, showcasing the province’s commitment to political freedom. Khan criticized the actions of those attempting to tarnish the PPP’s reputation and challenge its mandate through unfounded criticisms and threats of initiating political movements.
The allegations detailed incidents where votes for the PPP were reportedly mishandled or discarded during the counting process in the last elections, particularly pointing out the mishandling of election records and the potential manipulation of results. Asif Khan expressed concern over these matters, labeling them as serious threats to democratic processes and the fair representation of the people’s will in Sindh.
In response to internal dissent and the dissatisfaction among party workers stemming from the distribution of party tickets, Khan revealed that the PPP has initiated a fact-finding committee. This committee is tasked with investigating the conduct of certain party leaders accused of acting contrary to party discipline during the elections. The findings of this investigation are expected to be presented to the party leadership soon, with the aim of addressing internal conflicts and ensuring unity within the party ranks.
This statement from the PPP Karachi Division underscores the complexities of political dynamics in Sindh, highlighting concerns over electoral integrity, political freedom, and internal party discipline. It reflects the party’s efforts to address both external criticisms and internal challenges as it navigates the political landscape of Karachi and the broader Sindh region.