Caretaker government: 15 ministers in interim setup, says Mian Iftikhar

Announces compensation for victims of Judicial Complex suicide attack.

PESHAWAR: “Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) leads from the front. After consultations and negotiations between all groups concerned, it has been decided that there will be 15 ministers in the interim setup,” said Minster for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Monday.

He claimed politicians will not be creating hurdles in the way of holding free and fair elections. “Only anti-democratic elements have intentions of delaying polls,” Hussain said.

The minister alleged that despite the K-P government’s allocation of Rs200 million for the launching of a regional Pashto language TV channel, Islamabad did not give permission for it. “We are discriminated against,” he stated.

Privately owned channels are permitted to expand their operational capacity, however, the provincial government’s plans remain in doldrums. “If regional channels are not allowed then why is Bolan TV working,” Hussain questioned.

On the occasion, the information minister also announced financial compensation of Rs300,000 for the families of the dead, Rs100,000 for the injured and Rs50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries in the suicide attack on the Judicial Complex on Monday.

Mian Iftikhar, known for his anti-militant stance in the ANP, did not comment on talks with the Taliban when asked.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 19^th, 2013.