Fair share: Sherpao pushes for provincial rights, autonomy

Says Centre should not delay carrying out census

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao pressed for more rights for the provinces under the Constitution, stated a press release issued by the party’s secretariat on Saturday.

He was addressing a news conference following a ceremony held at Watan Kor in the city on Saturday. The ceremony was held to welcome new members into the party’s fold. According to Sherpao, the Constitution should be revisited and revised to provide more rights to the provinces.

“Even though the 18th Amendment has passed, the federal government has yet to provide due share to the provinces,” the document cited Sherpao as saying.

He said social welfare is a provincial subject and the federal government should devolve Benazir Income Support Programme funds worth Rs70 billion to the provinces to end grievances of smaller provinces.

Problem solving

Sherpao also urged the federal government to resolve a host of problems that have plagued the country.

“The new population census, transparent distribution of resources among provinces and ensuring provincial autonomy are some of the main issues that need to be looked into by the government,” the document quoted Sherpao as saying.

According to the party chief, distribution of resources is directly linked with the population of the provinces and the government should not use delaying tactics.

“It must devise a comprehensive plan by using modern means of conducting surveys with the help of NADRA and other government institutions,” the press release quoted the QWP chairperson as saying.

Western route

Reiterating his party’s stance on western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Sherpao said constructing this route was “a serious matter for Pukhtuns”. He said QWP would do its best to resolve the CPEC issue and ensure K-P receives its “rightful share” in the Rs46 billion mega project.

Sign of concern

About recent developments in Afghanistan, QWP chief said “the process of confidence-building started by a jirga of Pukhtuns elders” is at stake now.

“A series of events that have unfolded over the last few days have weakened ties between the two neighbouring states again,” the document quoted Sherpao as saying. “It is a sign of concern and it needs proper attention.”

On the occasion, the QWP chief also asked federal government to revisit National Action Plan so as to get the desired results. “Pace of work on Fata reforms needs to be expedited,” the press release cited QWP chief as saying.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 6^th, 2016.