"The federal government has ignored the needs of the province in the past, creating a sense of deprivation among Pukhtuns," Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmad Sherpao. PHOTO: INP
Addressing a public gathering at his hujra in Charsadda, Sherpao said the federal government has ignored the needs of the province in the past.
“This has created a sense of deprivation among Pukhtuns,” he said. “The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will open the portal for countless industrial opportunities and bring economic development in a province plagued by militancy.
“However, this is only possible if the federal government gives K-P its due share.”
Fostering ties
About improving bilateral trade relations with Afghanistan, the QWP chief said it was a suitable time to revive economic ties with its neighbour.
“Both countries should come forward to achieve this goal,” he said. “They must brush aside all differences and misunderstandings to get durable peace and economic stability in the region.”
According to Sherpao, Pakistan and Afghanistan should focus on eliminating the climate of deep and mutual mistrust between businessmen in both countries.
Out of control
Sherpao said law and order in the province had spiralled out of control.
“Peshawar has once again become the epicentre of militancy and violence,” he said. “Four incidents of violence have been reported over the last week; an official of the counter-terrorism department was also killed.”
According to the QWP chairman, such incidents put a spotlight on the provincial government’s failure in ensuring peace and stability.
Pre-poll rigging
The QWP chief also voiced dissatisfaction over the mismanagement of development funds and the government’s as yet unconfirmed plans to change polling stations before the local government elections.
“This is clearly an attempt to engage in pre-poll rigging,” he said. “I strongly urge PTI chief Imran Khan to take notice of this matter as such attempts are likely to impede the transfer of power to the grass-roots level.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2015.
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