Imdad 
Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, questioned the recent visit of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to China. He wanted to know the details from the Punjab government about the results of the trip which involved entering into numerous MoUs. Bhachar faulted the government for painting a picture that all is well in Punjab while there are still social ills, and political activists are being harassed.
MoUs Signed During Maryam Nawaz’s China Visit
Maryam Nawaz’s visit from 8 to 15 December was planned to enhance the bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. One of the most significant MoUs made was with Hygea Medical Technologies to bring state-of-the-art cancer diagnosis machinery to Punjab. It is this technology that presents the opportunity to cure diseases without surgery or chemotherapy. Maryam Nawaz also said that Hygea is ready to work on the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.
The agreements are characterized by a big sign of an enhanced healthcare sector in Punjab. However, Bhachar argued the visit looked more like a mere formality, he said it was “a fashion show”. He also expressed doubts as to whether the promised advances will materialize properly.
Political Climate and Bhachar’s Criticism
Bhachar expressed his dislike of the talks between the federal and Punjab governments as useless in addressing Punjab’s problems. He accused the police of targetting PTI workers, particularly in cases of house raids violating the law. In a reference to the D-Chowk episode, he cautioned that the political implications of the development might not augur well with the government of the country.
The opposition leader’s statements highlight the rising political risks in Punjab as well. While the Punjab government loudly boasts about its achievements, the critics want to know where the development is and when can they get it.
