Power outage exposed PML-N leadership tall claims: Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Central leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Asad Umar Tuesday claimed the recent power outage has exposed tall claims of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) leadership to end load-shedding in the country.

Addressing at a press conference here, Asad Umar claimed the power situation remained same despite tall claims of PML-N leadership during the last five years.

He claimed last year, the power shortage was around 4,000 MW and in first week of0 June, it was also remained same.

He claimed that no change was visible despite inaugurating so many projects in energy sector.

He claimed former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had claimed that load-shedding had been eliminated, but there has been no improvement in the last four years, and instead the caretaker government was being held responsible.

He further claimed the rupee depreciated by 15percent in the past six months which increased debt burden on each citizen by Rs40,000, and has lead to a hike in the petrol prices. Furthermore, power shortfall was over 4500MW which was similar over four years ago.

Asad Umar said the PML-N government presented fudges figures before the people.

He urged the caretaker set up to bring real facts before the nation so the next elected government could prepare proper plan to cope it.

He also claimed that the PML-N government was also going for bailout package.

Asad Umar claimed foreign reserves were dropped during last six months and Pakistani currency witnessed depreciation of around Rs.15-20 against dollar.

”The economy is at a critical juncture and the interim government should bring forth the details of the state of the economy amid declining foreign exchange reserves, devaluation of rupee, crippling investment sector, before the nation.” he claimed.

Referring to a press conference earlier by interim finance minister Shamshad Akhtar which he termed as a ‘balanced analysis’ about the economy, Asad Umar asked whether it was necessary to take any drastic measures to address the increasing budget deficit.

He called on the interim government to present the full facts about the state of the economy, amid the declining foreign exchange reserves, and even though it was not their responsibility to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund, it was imperative to bring a policy as a way forward for the next government.

Asad Umar claimed that previous government did not provide complete information about the economy and now there was a looming threat of receiving a bailout, and it was not possible for the interim government to bring policy or improve situation in the next six weeks.