Foreign aid: Sherpao accuses govt of embezzling Swat’s funds

“In the ANP government, unemployment, electricity problems and violence have increased,” says Sherpao.

SWAT:

Rulers have been unjust to Swat and billions of rupees in foreign funds have been embezzled, said Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao in a visit to the district on Tuesday.

He said the aid money was meant for the rehabilitation of Swat Valley after the military operation.

The former interior minister was addressing people in Panr. “Jobs are being distributed either on political affiliation or being sold on high prices,” he said, adding that if his party comes to power they will address the issues of Swat’s residents on a priority basis.

He criticised the ruling parties and said the incumbent government had not resolved the issues of the militancy-hit and flood-affected people. “They have been left helpless and marginalised.”

The Awami National Party (ANP) has no right to represent Pukhtuns of the province, he said adding that the ANP had turned a valley like Swat from heaven to hell. “They cannot fool the people of Swat any further,” he said, adding “In the ANP government, unemployment, electricity problems and violence have increased.”

Pakhtuns need a platform from where they can fight for their rights. “We will concentrate on all the existing issues of Swat and will address the sense of deprivation felt by the people.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2012.