K-P CM holds Centre responsible for extortion calls from Afghanistan

Says there will be no compromise on peace in Swat; government and people will fight together

SWAT:

Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Mahmood Khan said on Friday that extortion calls from Afghanistan is a failure of the central government, adding that he didn’t pay any extortion money, nor has anyone asked him for it.

Mahmood made the comments during a media briefing in Swat's Gabin Jabb area during his first visit to the district since huge protests took place against militancy. 

Remarks by the chief minister come just days after a letter, demanding payment of Rs8 million, was sent to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and K-P Science and Technology Minister Atif Khan.

The minister had reportedly received the letter from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The letter had also threatened Atif with assassination if the payment was not made within three days.

While talking to the media today about the recent unrest in the valley, the chief minister said there will be no compromise on peace and that the government and people will fight together.

Read Huge protests in Swat against militancy

“I faced criticism but, Mehmood Khan will never compromise. We will not allow anyone to politicise peace,” he added.

The minister furthered that the wave of unrest “was spread”, adding that if there is peace, there will be development and prosperity in the province.

The provincial chief executive further lashed out at the central government and accused it of “disturbing public order”.

“With the arrival of the imported government, public order has been disturbed and our share in the budget has been stopped. My question is, is K-P not a part of Pakistan?" asked Mahmood.

He also said that he will not let the work done in four years be "destroyed".

Mahmood furthered that after the "absolutely not" slogan, PTI chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan was removed from office through regime change.

Also read Nothing 'certain' about military operation in Swat: Asif

“They only want "absolute yes" ones which are people of the imported government,” he added.

The chief minister also commented on the verdict of the PTI chief’s Toshakhana case due today saying that it is baseless and not the mandate of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

"Imran Khan constructed a road with the money received from Toshakhana," said the minister.

Winter tourism in Swat Valley

The chief minister also announced organising winter tourism in the valley. He said last year 25 lakh tourists came to Swat and the province gained Rs 66 billion.

He further invited tourists from all over the country and assured them that there is peace in the valley.

“My presence reflects that there is peace in Swat. Peace is restored and I invite tourists from all over Pakistan to come. There is no doubt that the journey of tourism and development will continue,” he added.

The K-P CM is on a day-long Swat district visit and will be briefed on the law and order situation in the valley.

K-P chief secretary and IG Police will accompany the chief minister during the visit.