Early census: Sherpao throws weight behind CJ’s suo motu

Says an independent commission should be constituted to probe Panama leaks

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has thrown his weight behind the suo motu action taken by the chief justice of Pakistan to ensure the census is conducted with immediate effect. He hoped the CJP would expedite this matter to minimise the sense of deprivation felt by the provinces.

He expressed these views while addressing a news conference in Watan Kor in the city on Saturday. According to a press release issued on the same day, he said without a census, the division of resources to all the provinces will be impossible. He said after 18th Constitutional Amendment powers had been devolved to provinces but they could not be transferred without convening the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

He urged the federal government to organise the NFC Award by consulting other political parties of the province. He added without the NFC Award the grievances of deprived provinces could not be addressed.

Independent commission

On the occasion, Sherpao added QWP would take part in an all-parties conference on July 19 in Islamabad and would present their stance regarding the terms of reference for the enquiry committee probing the Panama leaks. He said an independent commission should be formed for the Panama Leaks to solve the issue transparently.

The document cited him as saying “We are not in favour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s resignation before anything is proved against him.”

Turmoil overseas

The QWP leader added the current turmoil in Turkey had created anxieties among the Muslim world. He added the people of Turkey had demonstrated courageously and foiled the attempt to launch a coup which saved the country from civil war.

Neighbourly ties

Sherpao said Pakistan and Afghanistan were equally affected by militancy and terrorism so it was necessary that both countries should remove mistrust between them.

“Both countries should resolve the issues through dialogue and strengthen relations,” the handout quoted the QWP chief as saying.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2016.