Aftab vows to oppose diversion of Gwadar-Kashgar route

Flays PTI govt for neglecting rights of Pukhtuns.

CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao vowed that his party will leave no stone unturned to oppose any diversion of the Gwadar-Kashgar economic corridor to Sindh and Punjab.

He was speaking at a public gathering held at Sherpao village, Charsadda, to commemorate the 40th death anniversary of former provincial governor of the then NWFP, Hayat Khan Sherpao.

“The diversion of the route will result in economic downfall of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan,” he said. “As a Pukhtun leader, I will try my best to resist any change in the trade corridor.”



Sherpao castigated the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan for neglecting the rights of the Pukhtuns.

“This has been the case ever since the government came into power,” the QWP chief said. “At this stage, the PTI should hold a sit-in for the rights of the Pukhtuns.”

Promises and sacrifices

Sherpao also drew attention to the emerging need to repatriate the internally displaced persons (IDP).

The QWP leader lauded the sacrifices rendered by the displaced population for the entire nation.

“They have left their homes and are living in camps,” he said. “Unfortunately, the government has not paid attention to their needs. During their time of need, QWP will fight for their rights.”

Speaking about the situation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), he voiced his party’s desire to bring development and reforms in the tribal belt.

“K-P and Fata have been most affected by militancy and the government must work towards bringing peace and stability,” he added.

Looking ahead

According to Sherpao, Pakistan and Afghanistan have always enjoyed cordial relations in the past and will continue to support each other in restoring peace and fighting militancy.

Speaking about the Army Public School incident, Sherpao voiced his disappointment over the government’s ability to tackle such incidents in future. He urged the government to implement the National Action Plan.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2015.