Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza on Tuesday stated that the tragic collapse of a tuition centre in Kahna, which resulted in the deaths of 14 children, exposed the failure of governance in Punjab and highlighted the urgent need for elected local governments.
PPP Demands Accountability for Kahna Collapse
Addressing a press conference at the People’s Secretariat in Model Town, Murtaza said that if functional local government institutions had existed in Punjab, those responsible for the tragedy could have been held accountable immediately. “The deaths of innocent children in Lahore, which is often projected as the country’s most developed city, reflect the deprivation and administrative failure in the area,” he added. He emphasized that elected local representatives would have ensured prompt inquiries and accountability.
Condolences and Criticism of Government
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Murtaza said the PPP shared their grief and demanded justice for the victims. He criticized the Punjab government for delaying local body elections, asserting that democracy cannot function effectively without empowered grassroots institutions. He claimed that successive amendments to local government laws and changes in delimitation were aimed at securing political advantage rather than strengthening democracy.
Opposition to Proposed Legislation
The PPP leader also criticized the government’s proposed legislation on punitive measures against political workers, alleging it was inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and could be misused against political opponents. He called on the government to focus on public welfare, urging it to provide relief from inflation and unemployment instead of introducing controversial laws. Murtaza also expressed support for resolving political issues, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue.
Party Leaders Present
Party leaders Usman Malik, Mian Ayub, Chaudhry Akhtar, Rubina Shaheen Wattoo, Ayesha Nawaz Chaudhry, and others were also present at the press conference. Meanwhile, Suthra Punjab workers lodged a protest and demanded payment of their salaries.
