No military op without K-P govt's consent, says Muqam

Also asserts courts to decide Imran Khan's fate, not committees

PESHAWAR:

Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Affairs Ameer Muqam stated that any operation against terrorists will not be conducted without the provincial government's consent. He clarified that initiating operations or calling in the military is within the jurisdiction of the provincial government. Speaking at the Peshawar Press Club, he said the release of PTI's founder chairman is a matter for the courts, not any committee. "We also faced the courts and were released through legal trials, not deals. PTI should also face the courts, which are independent and will decide accordingly," he emphasized.

Ameer Muqam stressed the need for collaboration between the federal government, provinces, and institutions to combat terrorism effectively. He highlighted that the chief executive of the province, the Chief Minister, must decide if an operation is required, and only then can the military be called.

He criticized the K-P government for using force against peaceful protesters, particularly local government representatives demanding their rights and funds. Condemning the baton charges and shelling on protesters in Peshawar, he said this exposed PTI's double standards.

Ameer Muqam also addressed the government's open approach to negotiations with opposition parties, asserting that only legal and constitutional demands would be met. He noted that PTI's founder is facing serious corruption charges, which will be decided by the judiciary, not negotiation committees. "No one is above the law. Even we, including the leadership of the PML-N, faced courts and were acquitted after trials," he added.

He criticized the 2018 general elections, claiming that PML-N's mandate was stolen through election rigging and technical issues with the RTS system, which facilitated PTI's rise to power. He mentioned that former opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif had extended an offer to PTI for dialogue on economic reforms and combating terrorism, but PTI ignored it, pushing the country towards economic instability.