NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Wednesday strongly criticised the provincial government over neglecting public issues while focusing on its own interests and privileges amid growing security and economic challenges.
Talking to reporters, he said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing serious threats from terrorism, economic hardship and administrative failures, yet the government appeared oblivious to the concerns of ordinary citizens. He said a fresh wave of terrorism had created an atmosphere of fear across the province.
Referring to recent terror incidents, he said that ANP Swat district senior vice president Mumtaz Ali Khan had recently survived a third assassination attempt, while Abdul Razzaq, the brother of ANP activist Dr Tariq, was shot dead in broad daylight in Bajaur.
“Innocent civilians, political workers and police personnel continue to be targeted, while the government’s indifference has left the people disappointed and frustrated,” he said, adding that the rulers’ priorities were mostly insensitive to the suffering of the people.
Mian Iftikhar also said that soaring inflation, rising unemployment and worsening economic conditions had made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens. He said young people were struggling to find jobs, businesses were suffering and many families were finding it difficult to meet basic needs.
The ANP leader also alleged that governance in the province had deteriorated significantly and claimed that despite repeated promises to eliminate corruption, favouritism and mismanagement had increased, while violations of merit in public-sector recruitment had breached people’s trust in state institutions.
He argued that few sectors had been spared from what he described as government incompetence. In particular, he highlighted the financial crisis facing higher education institutions, saying that several universities were struggling to secure funds even for the payment of salaries to faculty members and staff.
“This situation is not only alarming for the education sector but also poses a serious threat to the future of the province,” he opined.Mian Iftikhar also criticised what he described as restrictions on freedom of expression, alleging that the government sought extensive powers for itself while attempting to silence dissenting voices through pressure on journalists and media organisations.
He maintained that curbs on independent journalism were contrary to democratic values, constitutional rights and the public’s right to information.Calling for a reassessment of government priorities, the ANP provincial president said restoring peace and eliminating terrorism should be the foremost responsibility of the provincial administration. He urged authorities to focus on addressing public grievances and providing relief rather than pursuing personal or political interests.
He reiterated that the ANP would continue its struggle for people’s rights, peace, democracy and transparent governance, and would oppose any measures that could undermine public interests or serve only the ruling elite.
