Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Tuesday vowed to continue the struggle for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, comparing their fight to the struggle for independence from British rule.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Pehur High Level Canal Extension Project in Swabi, Gandapur highlighted the project's significance in promoting regional prosperity. "This project will irrigate 30,000 acres of land," he said, adding that an additional 8,000 acres would be included in the command area.
Gandapur emphasised that agriculture and irrigation were top priorities for the provincial government. "We are taking steps under a comprehensive strategy to permanently resolve the issue of food security in the province," he stated. He also announced initiatives to promote modern farming and the use of advanced technology to increase per-acre yield.
In a bid to support the youth, Gandapur outlined plans to provide interest-free loans to help them start their businesses, allocating funds in the new fiscal budget to support over 100,000 young people.
Read more: 'Pay up or face the music', Gandapur warns Centre
"We believe in the devolution of power to the grassroots level to address local issues," he said, assuring uniform development across all districts and tehsils. Gandapur urged the public to monitor local development projects and support the reform programme and anti-corruption efforts.
"Government departments operate on public tax money," he reminded. "Officials are paid from public taxes, and they must serve the people and solve their problems locally."
He called for government officials to work outside traditional methods to address urgent public issues promptly. He also urged the police to take indiscriminate action against drug dealers and mafias, labelling drug peddlers as enemies of the children.
Gandapur encouraged citizens to report wrongdoings, promising robust action. "We stand with the oppressed and the weak against the tyrants," he asserted.
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Highlighting the government's commitment to education and healthcare, he said, "Our goal is to provide education and healthcare, not just build buildings. Schools and colleges will be opened wherever needed, even in rented buildings."
Addressing the issue of electricity, Gandapur said he had discussed the matter with federal ministers, resulting in a commitment to reduce load-shedding. "When we talk to the federal government about the province's rights, we do so with pride because we have the mandate."
"Our ultimate goal is true freedom," he declared. "Imran Khan is in jail for our future generations. His release is our duty. Imran Khan is on the side of truth, and we will continue to support him as Allah has commanded us to stand by the truth."
Gandapur dismissed the charges against Khan as fabricated, demanding his immediate release. "Our struggle will continue until Imran Khan is free. Despite all oppression, we stand with Khan and will remain steadfast. We will claim our rights just as we won freedom from the British."
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