Talking points: ‘PM failed to honour promises on western route’

ANP leader raises concern over mistreatment of Afghan nationals

PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has failed to fulfill the promises he made regarding construction on the western route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This was said by Awami National Party Central General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain.

He was addressing ANP at a hotel in the city on Sunday. According to a press release issued on the same day, Mian Iftikhar said the western route of the $46 billion project is particularly contentious and has triggered unrest all over the country.

Mistreatment of refugees

The ANP leader also voiced his reservation over the mistreatment of Afghan nationals in the province.



“This is part of a plot to fuel tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the statement cited him as saying. “Tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan will only benefit the enemies of peace.   He added peace between both countries will guarantee a bright future for both countries. “Unfortunately, there are some elements who are deliberately harassing Afghan refugees,” the press release quoted Mian Iftikhar as saying. “We will not tolerate this at any cost.”

Floodgate of criticism

Mian Iftikhar lashed out at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and its leaders for failing to honour promises and commitments made during 2013 general elections.

“PTI leaders have failed to safeguard the rights and interests of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and its people,” the statement quoted the ANP leader as saying.

“Imran Khan’s politics of confrontation was harmful to the interests of democracy.”

He also expressed disappointment over performance of the PTI-led provincial government.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2016.