PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA) on Monday condemned a statement by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz about the threat of terrorism in Punjab from other provinces.
The Executive Council of the association held an emergency meeting under the chairmanship of the association’s president, Aminur Rahman Yousafzai.The meeting condemned the recent “controversial” statement made by Maryam Nawaz about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and maintained that such irresponsible and prejudiced statements by the chief minister of one province not only hurt the sentiments of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakhtuns but are also a deplorable attempt to promote provincial and linguistic prejudice and hatred. Such statements would harm the stability of the country, national unity, inter-provincial harmony and brotherhood.
The Executive Council stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had lost thousands of lives in the war against terrorism and played an unforgettable role in ensuring peace and stability in Pakistan.
The speakers said terrorism does not represent any particular province, nation or language; rather, it is a common problem of the entire country and nation. Linking this menace to any one province is regrettable and unacceptable.
The association demanded that the Punjab chief minister withdraw her controversial statement and tender a clear and unconditional apology to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the Pakhtuns.
It also called on her to publicly acknowledge the historic and unparalleled sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police and security forces, saying that Pakistan cannot afford further discord and division at this time and that such controversial statements could further divide the country.
