The recent exchange of sharp statements between Pakistan’s two ruling coalition parties the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has once again brought provincial performance into the spotlight. What began as political criticism over flood management has evolved into a broader debate on governance, efficiency, and delivery.

The PPP, which governs Sindh, has accused Punjab of politicizing the flood situation. However, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s measured and fact-based response has resonated strongly across the political spectrum. Her pointed question “How can losses worth millions be compensated with just a few thousand rupees?” reflected both realism and empathy, setting the tone for a factual comparison between the two provinces.

 Flood Relief: Punjab’s Efficiency vs Sindh’s Excuses

While Sindh ministers held press conferences to criticize Punjab’s relief efforts, the ground reality tells a different story.

Despite Sindh receiving less water inflow than Punjab

• Guddu Barrage: 322,000 cusecs
• Sukkur: 323,000 cusecs
• Kotri: 248,000 cusecs Punjab faced higher volumes
• Marala: 549,000 cusecs
• Khanki: 478,000 cusecs
• Qadirabad: 348,000 cusecs

yet managed the crisis far more effectively.

Under Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Punjab’s 24-hour relief operation was coordinated, disciplined, and fast. Thousands of people were rescued, shifted to safety, and provided with shelter and food. Even livestock were saved a first in provincial history with drones and thermal imaging technology used to identify stranded victims.

All departments including Suthra Punjab, Punjab Safe Cities, Police, Agriculture, and PDMA worked together seamlessly. In contrast, Sindh’s Information Minister Sharjeel Memon distanced himself from responsibility, claiming the province was “fully prepared but didn’t receive as much flooding as expected.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally visited flood-hit areas, distributed cheques to victims, and launched a comprehensive compensation survey to ensure transparency and fairness.

Sindh’s PPP government, however, opted to distribute minimal relief under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) offering Rs. 10,000 per family for losses worth hundreds of thousands. Even Sindh’s citizens expressed frustration, predicting another “corruption scandal” under the guise of BISP flood relief.

Health: Punjab’s Transformation vs Sindh’s Decay

The contrast between Punjab’s healthcare reforms and Sindh’s neglect is stark.

In just 1.5 years, Punjab has revamped over 2,300 Basic and Rural Health Units, upgraded hospitals, and established specialized cancer and cardiology centers in Lahore and Sargodha. Free medicines and diagnostic tests are being delivered to citizens’ doorsteps, with emergency response systems operating 24/7.

Sindh, in comparison, paints a dismal picture: hospitals short of medicines, patients dying from dog bites, and in some rural facilities, livestock tied where patients should be treated. Ambulances are missing; donkey carts are used to transport the deceased.

Infrastructure & Transport: Punjab’s Leap Forward

Punjab’s infrastructure is undergoing a massive transformation.

Under the “Sarkain Bahal, Punjab Khushal” program, thousands of kilometers of roads

have already been completed, connecting small towns and major districts.

Public transport tells the same story E-buses now operate in nearly every major city, including smaller towns. From double-decker buses in Lahore to modern transit systems in Faisalabad and Gujranwala, Punjab’s commitment to sustainable mobility is unmatched.

Meanwhile, Karachi’s roads still collapse after a single rain. The Green Line remains incomplete, PPP’s People’s Bus Service barely functions, and BRT infrastructure sits idle.

Education: Punjab’s Investment, Sindh’s Neglect

Punjab’s youth-centered programs laptop distribution, scholarships, and skill-based “Leaders of Tomorrow” schemes have empowered students across the province. Free Wi-Fi zones, smart classrooms, and scholarships are reshaping public education.

In Sindh, however, more than 7.8 million children remain out of school. Facilities lack teachers, electricity, and even safe boundary walls.

Farmers and Rural Development

Punjab’s Kissan Card initiative, solarization of tubewells, and farm equipment subsidies have improved crop yield and reduced energy costs. Farmers receive direct digital payments and technical support.

By contrast, Sindh’s farmers continue to suffer from water shortages, political interference, and outdated irrigation systems. Despite PPP’s slogan of being the “party of farmers,” little tangible support has reached them.

Verdict: Punjab Delivers, Sindh Debates

From flood recovery and healthcare to education and infrastructure, Punjab’s governance model stands in sharp contrast to Sindh’s stagnation.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has not only defended her province with data and performance she’s proven that results matter more than rhetoric.

While Punjab works around the clock to serve its people, Sindh’s leadership continues to rely on slogans from the past.

At the end of the day, the difference between the two provinces is simple

Punjab is performing, while Sindh is still promising.