Shahbaz blames centre for Punjab power crisis

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Monday held the Federation responsible for power crisis in the province, saying failure to supply electricity to the Punjab was a clear manifestation of the Federation's criminal negligence and ineligibility.

Talking to media after presiding over a meeting of the provincial cabinet here at a camp office set up near Minar-e-Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif said the power crisis could immediately be resolved by paying off Rs4 billion to the oil companies.

He ordered the members of provincial cabinet and other high-ranking officials to perform their duties by setting up camps outside their offices, and to avoid using air-conditions.

"The Federation is treating Punjab with discrimination on the matter of power supply," Shahbaz Sharif reiterated his regret, adding the 18th amendment had given nothing to the provinces.

Later, provincial advisors and other MPAs held an open kutchery on the directive of Shahbaz Sharif. They listened to the grievances of the people coming from different parts of the province and issued orders for their redressal.