Political matters: Sherpao expresses reservations over delay in census

QWP chief threatens to protest against govt, hold APC.


Our Correspondent March 26, 2016
Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao. PHOTO: FILE

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has expressed his disappointment over the decision to postpone the population census, saying he will summon an all-parties conference and launch a protest against the government.

He expressed these views while speaking to journalists at his party’s secretariat on Saturday. Sherpao said no census was held for the past 18 years and according to the Constitution of Pakistan, it should be conducted every 10 years. He called the delay as an “usurpation of rights of smaller provinces”.

“It was decided at the Council of Common Interests (CCI) that a census will be held this year,” he said. “But the federal government reneged on promises made at CCI meeting.”

The QWP leader said almost half of the resources were consumed by Punjab, while the remaining shares were distributed among the rest of the three provinces.

Vote bank

He also criticised the federal government for raising the Kalabagh Dam issue, saying it was an attempt by PML-N to increase its vote bank in Punjab and win the next general elections.

He added, “Kalabagh Dam issue is a dead horse and the federal government as well as parties at Punjab should not flog it as it would alienate the remaining provinces.”

Agent of peace

While highlighting efforts for restoration of peace, he said the time was ripe to sow the seeds of peace. Sherpao urged the government to exploit the chance in its favour.

He added, “Statements by militants are a bit disappointing but backdoor diplomacy by stakeholders is still going on that will definitely bear fruits.”

Sherpao added stakeholders should play their role in the region and protect the interests of its people.

The QWP chairman also voiced his disappointment over federal government’s attitude over the projects in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying Pukhtuns were “the sole sufferers due to terrorism”.

He added around 60,000 people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Fata were killed and injured and infrastructure damaged.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2016.

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