ISLAMABAD: PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri on Wednesday criticized a statement by a minister from the PTI government, saying it had inflicted significant losses on the national airline.
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Marri said that those responsible should be held accountable for the financial impact caused by the minister’s remarks. She did not disclose the exact figures but stressed that the airline’s reputation and revenue had been adversely affected.
Addressing broader issues of public services, Marri highlighted the gas shortage in Karachi, the country’s largest metropolis. She said that despite Karachi being a major city, residents continue to face severe gas outages, with household stoves left unused amid the ongoing winter.
“The constitution prioritizes gas supply to producing regions, but Karachi has been left deprived,” Marri said. She added that roads across the city were dug up in the name of laying gas pipelines, further inconveniencing citizens.
Marri also expressed concern over electricity supply in Sindh, noting that many cities are experiencing power outages of up to 20 hours a day. She warned that if winter conditions were this challenging, the situation in summer could become far worse.
The parliamentarian urged the government to take immediate steps to improve energy supply and infrastructure, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in public service management.
Marri’s statement comes amid growing concerns over Pakistan’s energy sector, with citizens in major cities highlighting ongoing shortages of electricity and gas during the peak winter season.
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She concluded by emphasizing that the government must prioritize urban and rural areas alike to ensure uninterrupted energy access, warning that the ongoing situation could have far-reaching economic and social consequences if left unaddressed.