PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday termed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s move to hold a session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly at the cricket stadium as “drama,” alleging that the provincial government was not interested in resolving public issues or securing the province’s rights.
Addressing a press conference here, Aftab Sherpao said the PTI government’s sole focus remained on the release of its founder.
On the occasion, political figures Ismail Khan and Fazal Wahab Khan, hailing from Swabi, announced their joining the Qaumi Watan Party along with families and supporters.
Aftab Sherpao alleged that corruption and bribery were rampant in the province and claimed that despite remaining in power for the past 13 years, the ruling party had failed to address the problems faced by the public. He added that the provincial economy was in a bad shape, while the business community faced a host of problems due to the flawed policies of the rulers.
The QWP leader said rising lawlessness and frequent increases in electricity prices had compounded the difficulties of the business community.
Expressing concern, he warned that if tensions in the Gulf escalated into a prolonged conflict, remittances could decline, potentially increasing poverty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a large number of people worked in the Gulf states.
Criticizing the federal government, he said the recent increase in rates of the petroleum products would further burden the public, adding that the federal government had dropped a “petrol bomb” on the people.
Referring to regional issues, Aftab Sherpao said Afghanistan was a neighbouring country and emphasized that both Islamabad and Kabul should resolve their issues through dialogue. He urged the government to ensure proper facilities for the dignified repatriation of Afghan families and called for easing the repatriation process.
He also stressed the need to open border crossings for trade, noting that the volume of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan was already low and should be enhanced.
Aftab Sherpao also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the government to address the issue.
He said the US-Iran war overshadowed the tensions between Pakistan and the cross-border terrorism issue, calling for sincere efforts to talk out issues between Islamabad and Kabul.
He appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Field Marshal Asim Munir to bring the US and Iran to the negotiating table, expressing hope that dialogue would help ease tensions and resolve the conflict that has affected the global economy.
