Standing firm: Imran Khan bent on keeping NATO supply lines blocked

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to introduce Right to Services law.

PESHAWAR:

A day after four suspected militants were killed in a US drone attack in North Waziristan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan made it clear Nato supply routes would remain suspended till the unmanned airstrikes are halted.

Addressing a gathering convened to discuss the Right to Service law 2013 at a local hotel on Thursday, Imran Khan expressed concern over the federal government’s attitude on Chuck Hagel’s statement. Hagel had said US lawmakers could withhold military assistance if the Pakistani government did not ensure security for Nato supply routes. Khan, however, claimed the assistance was part of the support fund as the Pakistan military was sent to fight in the tribal areas on the request of the US and they cannot stop the aid.

The party chairman blamed the US for sabotaging a possible peace initiative with the Taliban. “They don’t want us to bring peace back to our region,” he said. “We took a step forward and they (the US) attacked the Taliban. We are following the resolution of the parliament whereas the federal government is sitting idle.” He added once peace is restored, people will want to invest in the country.



Workers of the PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami blocked Nato supply lines following a massive rally on Ring Road on November 23. Various routes used by trucks carrying goods for foreign troops are manned by workers from both parties who check transit papers of vehicles, and then send them back if they are carrying Nato goods.

All about accountability

The PTI has been bringing reforms, not to win elections, but to hold people accountable and maintain the rule of law, said Khan. “The day when all those who stole public money are held accountable and brought to justice will be the happiest day of my life.”

According to the law, government officials are legally bound to dispose of services, requests and all other applications, including issuing certificates, licences and permits, within a time period, or pay a fine.

While talking about local government (LG) polls, the party chairman said all political parties will be asked to sit together before the polls take place so everyone knows the rules of the game. He added there will be no possibility of rigging as polls will be held using the biometric system. This will be supervised by judicial officers.

“Unlike Punjab, where the district management administers the LG polls, we asked the judiciary to provide us with judicial officers so political parties do not complain about rigging.”

The PTI chairman also inaugurated offices for the information commission under the Right to Information Act 2013.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak was also present at the event. He assured those present that K-P will soon be corruption free. He said a complaint cell was in contact with people and their complaints were being followed up. Khattak added they would table accountability bills before the parliament soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2013.