Gearing up: Sherpao voices optimism over QWP’s prospects in LG polls

Urges candidates to diligently work on election campaigns.

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has voiced optimism over his party’s prospects in the local government (LG) elections scheduled for May 30.

Addressing two separate corner meetings at Watan Kor, he asked candidates to diligently work on their election campaigns as the party’s victory in the polls will be a defeat to militants who have repeatedly targeted him.

“QWP’s success in the local bodies’ elections is guaranteed as the party has worked on a large number of development schemes in all parts of the province,” he added.

Speaking to delegations from Dakki and Mandani union councils at his residence later in the day, the QWP chief said Pukhtuns had suffered for the last three decades due to a series of inappropriate policy decisions adopted by the government.

“Pukhtun leaders have been deliberately kept away from policy-making,” he said. “Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan would have been stronger if Pukhtun leaders had been taken onboard in the fight against militancy.”

He said the federal and provincial governments had failed to take steps to bring peace and prosperity in a province plagued by militancy.

“QWP will strive hard to safeguard the rights of Pukhtuns in Parliament and the provincial assembly,” Sherpao said.    According to the QWP chief, the provincial government was reluctant to ask the federal government to encourage development work in the province.

“On the other hand, QWP has asked the federal government to establish a grid station in Charsadda district to ensure uninterrupted power supply in the area,” he said.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2015.