QWP to strive hard for the rights of people: Sherpao

K-P’s senior minister decries load-shedding in K-P

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party’s (QWP) provincial chairman and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Senior Minister Sikandar Sherpao on Tuesday vowed that his party would strive hard for the rights of people to ensure progress and development.

The minister said this while addressing a public gathering at the union council Batagram in Shabqadar. At the gathering ANP’s Fazal Mabood along with a number of supporters announced joining the Qaumi Watan Party. The minister welcomed their decision, terming it a wise step.

Sherpao said that QWP had emerged as the lone voice for the rights of the oppressed people which was why they mostly voted them. He added that the public trust was becoming evident due to the joining of prominent political workers in the party.



Sherpao also expressed his party’s support for an independent and sovereign Afghanistan, adding that a stable and unified neighbour country was vital for peace in the region. He urged Islamabad and Kabul to sort out their differences and extend mutual cooperation for the larger interests of both countries. He added that the federal government should start taking sincere measures for developing diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.

The minister also appealed the federal government to revise its foreign policy keeping in view the latest international developments. He stated that internationally, the primary focus is being laid on development of economies whereas strategic interests have become secondary.



While talking about provincial autonomy, Sherpao stated that despite the 18th amendment the provinces are still not autonomous as they are still not able to control their resources. He lamented that K-P being the largest producer of natural gas, oil and electricity is being used to run Punjab, whereas the province is facing uncontrolled load shedding.

The minister demanded that the transmission lines in the province be upgraded in order to put an end to load shedding in K-P.

Sherpao also told the people that QWP will fight for the rights of Pakhtoons and will raise voice against exploitation of the people of K-P. He added that the party will emerge as the sole representative of Pakhtoons in the 2018 general elections.