K-P calls for talks to stamp out terrorism

CM Gandapur says DI Khan, Tank turmoil could spread to Pindi and Islamabad

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has advocated for dialogue as a means to end terrorism plaguing the nation. Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, he emphasized that the ongoing conflict was not solely Pakistan’s burden, highlighting the urgency to address the escalating crises in regions like DI Khan and Tank before they spread further to areas like Bhakar, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.

Gandapur stressed that now is the time to decisively pursue negotiations to bring an end to the scourge of terrorism.

Adding to his concerns, Gandapur lamented the financial discrepancies faced by the province, stating that the Centre owed K-P a substantial sum under the net hydel profit category.

“The Centre owes us Rs1,510 billion under the head of net hydal profit,” he explained.

He expressed frustration over what he perceived as baseless legal actions taken against PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

He also lamented that during Sunday’s by-elections, PTI candidates were allegedly hindered from campaigning.

Gandapur decried incidents of electoral irregularities, alleging that PTI candidates were unfairly obstructed while rival candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) received undue advantages.

He pointed out anomalies in voter turnout, particularly in Punjab, where he claimed that voter participation exceeded that of general elections in certain constituencies, raising suspicions of foul play.

Gandapur cited instances of violence against PTI candidates in Punjab and highlighted the peculiar case of an independent candidate’s victory in Bajaur, who allegedly benefitted from associating with Imran Khan’s image. Despite these challenges, Gandapur asserted that PTI refrained from interfering in the election process.

“Despite the fact that the Bajaur candidate was an independent one and he was up against a PTI candidate, we didn’t stop him and people decided his fate,” he shared.

“Rehan Zeb was our friend and we respect his sacrifices. People voted for his brother and we accept the result and the decision of the general public,” he added.

Regarding allegations of power theft in K-P, Gandapur revealed that negotiations with the federal government were hindered by unjust demands for FIR registrations against power consumers.

He affirmed K-P’s commitment to address power-related concerns but criticized the Centre’s approach of precluding negotiations until FIRs were filed.

K-P people are not power thieves instead PESCO officials are involved in the pilferage, he declared.

He assured that K-P’s law enforcement was directed not to register FIRs against power consumers until negotiations were concluded.

Moreover, Gandapur raised concerns about the health of Bushra Bibi, wife of former prime minister Imran Khan, alleging that attempts to conduct medical tests were thwarted.

He vowed to organize nationwide rallies to protest against perceived injustices and asserted the people’s right to express their grievances peacefully.

“I will hold rallies against poll rigging across the country and no one could stop me.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2024.