K-P resolution demands end to 'drone strikes'

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed two resolutions calling for austerity measures to be adopted as a national behaviour and for immediate steps to prevent drone attacks in Bara tehsil.

The house stressed the need for effective use of resources, reduction in unnecessary expenditures and protection of citizens from security threats.

MPA Abdul Ghani presented the resolution regarding drone attacks in Bara tehsil, stating that despite being a peaceful area, the region was facing attacks on a daily basis.

He said innocent civilians, particularly women and children, were being affected while property was also suffering damage.

He urged the house to take immediate and concrete measures to stop such attacks and ensure the protection of human lives and public safety.

The second resolution was moved by PML-N MPA Amina Sardar, who termed austerity a national necessity in view of the current economic conditions. Both resolutions were passed unanimously by the Assembly.

Meanwhile, assembly members expressed serious concern over the worsening law and order situation, Pak-Afghan tensions, inflation, energy shortages and unequal distribution of resources, calling for immediate and effective government action.

During the session, lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches highlighted security challenges, economic hardships and governance issues affecting the province.

Speaking on a point of order, Awami National Party lawmaker Nisar Baz said civilians were being killed and injured in incidents from Bajaur to Waziristan, while tensions along the Pak-Afghan border were causing suffering for people on both sides.

He said recent incidents in Bajaur, Khyber and Kunar had resulted in the deaths of children, women and elderly people, adding that the issue required urgent dialogue to prevent further escalation.

The presiding officer informed the house that a special committee had already been formed to review the law and order situation in detail.

Pakistan Peoples Party parliamentary leader Ahmad Karim Kundi said the Assembly had introduced new rules to ensure government accountability, but implementation remained weak.

Lawmaker Samiullah said the province was producing more gas and electricity than its own requirements, yet people were facing severe shortages.

Ajab Gul termed inflation unbearable for the public and said political stability was essential for resolving the law and order crisis.

Member Assembly Afshan Hussain criticized misuse of budget allocations and said the education and health sectors were facing serious decline.

She also termed Timergara Medical College a "ghost project" and alleged that billions of rupees had been wasted.

MPA Daud Shah said the NFC share of merged districts had been withheld, while prolonged load-shedding continued despite higher electricity production in the province.

He also raised concerns over the closure of the CNG industry.