PML-N’s Rana Sanaullah Expresses Reservations on BISP Data

Rana Sanaullah, a prominent leader within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and currently serving as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Public and Political Affairs, has voiced his concerns regarding the integrity of the data used by the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP).

During a recent interview with a private news channel on Wednesday, the seasoned politician stated that his political party harbors significant reservations pertaining to the information utilized by the BISP.

“The Pakistan Peoples Party [PPP] is providing support to the government. However, they are entitled to maintain their unique perspectives,” he commented.

Sanaullah also addressed the ongoing disagreements between his party and the PPP concerning the allocation and management of water resources.

Referring to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks concerning the canals project, the PML-N representative asserted that the province possesses the authority to utilize its designated water share in a manner it deems appropriate.

“No entity should raise objections to Punjab’s decision to redirect its allocated water share. The Chief Minister of Punjab specifically addressed Punjab’s water allocation and did not reference any other province,” he clarified.

These statements are made against the backdrop of an escalating exchange between the PML-N and the PPP concerning flood relief efforts, the BISP, and the management of water resources.

Earlier in the day, PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira reaffirmed his party’s firm belief that the BISP constitutes a “proven and reliable” approach to delivering flood relief assistance.

During a press briefing held in Lahore, Kaira emphasized that the BISP has a longstanding history of providing initial aid in the wake of natural disasters.

“The IMF [International Monetary Fund] implemented subsidy reductions across various sectors. Notably, the BISP stood out as the only program to receive an augmentation of Rs2 billion,” he added.

While restating the PPP’s commitment to supporting the federal government, Kaira clarified that his party’s support would not extend to “every action undertaken by the PML-N”.

Without directly mentioning Chief Minister Maryam, the PPP leader noted that their allies often disregard their suggestions.

“When we express criticism, it elicits strong reactions, with accusations of pointing fingers at Punjab. The response is often that any raised finger will be broken,” he conveyed.

“You hold the position of Chief Minister of Punjab and are also the daughter of Nawaz Sharif. Consequently, your statements are perceived as reflective of the PML-N’s stance.”

This discord between the allied parties surfaced following the PPP’s request for flood victims in Punjab to receive assistance through the BISP.

However, the Punjab government dismissed this proposal, asserting that it was deploying its internal resources to assist flood victims within the province.