Lahore, September 27, 2025: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central Information Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chan has urged the government to hold those responsible for the ongoing sugar crisis to account, while also stressing that he would not be silenced by fear of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).
Speaking to reporters at the PPP Secretariat in Lahore, Chan said it was the party’s duty to represent the voice of the people, a responsibility also shared by journalists. “We are allies of the government, and often reminded of it as a taunt, but our alliance was based on a 14-point agreement,” he said. “Becoming the voice of the oppressed is part of PPP’s constitution.”
Chan criticised the federal government’s handling of economic and agricultural challenges. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PTI-led government had announced a Rs1.2 trillion package, “but not a single rupee was given to farmers.” He added that flood-affected farmers in previous years also received no meaningful relief.
Highlighting unfulfilled promises, the PPP leader said the coalition government had pledged to hold local body elections within a year. “If local representatives were in place, the devastation from the floods would not have been this severe. Did the IMF stop the government from conducting local elections?” he asked.
Chan stressed that wheat farmers were the backbone of the economy but were being neglected. “By not paying the farmers, we are now importing wheat. In India, farmers receive Rs20,000 per acre, cheaper fertiliser, and free electricity,” he said.
He also criticised the PML-N for sidelining the Benazir Income Support Programme’s database, claiming it was only because it carried Benazir Bhutto’s picture. “The PML-N can talk about breaking fingers, but they should think about farmers first,” he remarked.
Responding to a PML-N spokesperson’s threat of legal action against him under PECA, Chan said bureaucratic infighting and transfers had already made it difficult for him to speak openly. “The PECA law should also be used to hold those responsible for the sugar crisis accountable. I am a weak man and keep silent because of PECA’s fear,” he concluded.
