Chiniot :- Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the government is working hard to provide relief to the public. He emphasized that the only way to move the country forward is through public service and hard work. Therefore, all resources are being utilized to ensure that relief for the public begins soon. He was speaking at a ceremony in Chiniot, where he distributed free petrol worth 10 million rupees from his own pocket to 10,000 motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers on Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Sheikh mentioned that although he was in Karachi, he has been contesting elections from the platform of the PML-N in Chiniot for the past 32 years and has been elected approximately seven times. He asserted that this is proof of his service. He noted that in Chiniot, any poor person’s education or medical treatment is provided completely free of charge. Sheikh added that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is striving to pull the country out of crises, but the opposition continues to obstruct every step.
He criticized the current political environment, saying that no country should have its parliament turned into a fish market, which is unprecedented. He highlighted that the only way to advance the country is through public service and hard work. He mentioned that he pays millions of rupees in taxes and pointed out that 60% of textile mill owners in Faisalabad are from Chiniot. He also mentioned that they have been running schools since 1901, including their Iqra School and Madrasah al-Banath. He criticized the drop in education standards when their schools were nationalized.
In response to a question, Sheikh stated that they are ready for negotiations, but the PTI is unwilling to sit with them. He expressed a desire for negotiations to advance the country, but the PTI’s stance is that they will only negotiate with the establishment and do not consider them as elected representatives. He lamented that the country is ranked 146th in per capita income, indicating significant lagging behind.
Sheikh acknowledged PTI’s popularity but questioned how the country could progress if they refuse to negotiate with the government. He recalled that Shahbaz Sharif had proposed a Charter of Economy while in opposition, but the PTI has remained uncooperative. Sheikh reaffirmed their commitment to working towards alleviating inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
He shared that the free petrol distribution program, which has been running for the past 20 years, has an estimated cost of over 10 million rupees. Under this program, free petrol will be distributed to 10,000 motorcyclists and rickshaw drivers. He mentioned that from 9 AM to late evening, motorcyclists will receive five liters of petrol each, and rickshaw drivers will be provided with free petrol the following day.
Sheikh also highlighted their contribution to education, mentioning the establishment of a campus of FAST University in Faisalabad, which offers high-quality education. He pointed out that graduates from this university secure good jobs abroad. He concluded by noting that their community has been serving in education and health for hundreds of years, with facilities such as an eye hospital, school, and a college in collaboration with TEVTA, and expressed his commitment to continuing public welfare projects in the future.
