Back to the people: Changes in trade route would weaken federation: Imran

PTI chief inaugurates girls school, martyrs’ monument at police lines in city

PESHAWAR:

Reiterating his stance on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan said changes in the route would weaken the federation as less developed regions of the country would be left behind.

“Changes in the corridor are likely to stoke hatred of Punjab in other provinces,” said the party chief while addressing journalists at the inauguration ceremony of a girls school in Douranpur area of the city on Tuesday.

He added the opportunity of the corridor should be used to bring all federating units of the country together instead of shoving them aside like the Sharif brothers have done by considering Punjab the entirety of Pakistan.

Decrying the Centre’s decisions, Imran said the federal government has allotted only 20% of development funds to the province which are not sufficient to complete major projects in K-P. For instance, he added, the Chashma Right Bank Canal and Lowari Tunnel are in limbo due to delay in payments from the Centre.

A few days ago, Minister for Information Mushtaq Ghani announced Imran would not be attending public meetings in K-P till LG polls conclude. The announcement came after ECP barred Imran from holding public gatherings ahead of polls. However, at the school inauguration Imran said he has been allowed to resume his political activities.

Visits in the city

During Imran’s visit, a scuffle ensued between workers of PTI and Pakistan Peoples Party and when he left the venue members of the latter party started chanting slogans against PTI. The chants enraged PTI’s workers, resulting in a brawl but leaders from both sides prevented the situation from turning uglier.

Later in the day, Imran also visited Gulberg police station and then Malik Saad Police Lines to inaugurate a martyrs’ monument.

He addressed journalists at Gulberg police station, applauding the K-P police. He said the K-P police has turned into the best force with commandos as good as those of the army.

He also lauded the work of the judicial commission, saying it is performing its job properly and would also reveal the rigging plan.

PTI chief also visited Lady Griffith School and the site of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and in the afternoon answered public questions at Radio Pakhtunkhwa.

Imran on air

He answered multiple questions regarding the dispute over the Regi Lalma land being converted into a housing scheme.

Imran said he discussed the issue with Chief Minister Pervez Khattak who is trying to get it solved amicably. However, the party chief suggested a judicial commission should be set up for settling the conflict so that a fair decision can be made for both groups involved in the issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2015.