File photo of Aftab Ahmad Sherpao. PHOTO: INP
Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Ahmad Sherpao on Saturday asked the federal government to announce a relief package for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying its economy is on the verge of collapse due to militancy, energy crisis and unemployment.
Addressing a gathering in Mardan, Sherpao said all political parties need to play a positive role in order for the province to overcome its challenges.
“Economic development of the province has been badly affected because of the prevailing energy crisis. As a result, joblessness has increased,” said Sherpao, adding QWP will strive for economic development in the region, which has been marred by terrorism.
“To compensate the flood and militancy-hit people of K-P, the federal government must come forward and announce result-oriented developmental schemes,” he said.
The QWP chief pointed out terrorism was the biggest problem for the province, due to which schools, bridges, roads and other infrastructure have been destroyed.
Criticising the federal government for ending special incentives to K-P in the budget for fiscal year 2013-2014, Sherpao said the centre had not consulted the provincial government on the national energy policy.
Regarding QWP’s role in the provincial government, Sherpao said: “The people have voted us into power because they wanted to end the culture of corruption and nepotism which the previous government had promoted.”
QWP ministers in the provincial government will strive to end corruption in government departments and if they are found to be involved in such practices they will be immediately terminated, promised Sherpao. “It is our mission to struggle for creating a society where Pukhtuns are safe and their rights preserved.”
Lashing out at the federal government for announcing a 1% increase in General Sales Tax (GST), Sherpao said the increase will further accelerate inflation and adversely affect the purchasing power of the common man.
On the occasion, Justice (Retd) Shah Jehan Khan announced he was joining the QWP. Provincial President Sikandar Sherpao and K-P Senior Minister Bakht Baidar Khan also addressed the gathering and welcomed Shah Jehan Khan to the party.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 30th, 2013.
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