CM’s negative rhetoric has paralysed KP: Amir Muqam

PESHAWAR, Oct 10 (APP):Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs Engr Amir Muqam on Saturday claimed that the negative rhetoric and politics of confrontation pursued by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had paralysed the province, while the people were facing mounting problems on multiple fronts.

Addressing a large public gathering at Shah Alam here, he said the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had deteriorated considerably during the past two and a half months, alleging that the PTI government had remained focused on political agitation instead of addressing issues confronting the people.

“The problems of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have increased manifold, and these problems cannot be resolved through long or short marches,” he said, adding that the province required good governance, effective implementation of laws and regulations, and a clear focus on public welfare.

Engr Muqam said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was already facing the formidable challenge of terrorism and insecurity, but the leadership of PTI was concentrating its energies on what he described as an aimless long march.

He claimed that the march had failed to attract the public support expected by its organisers and said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace, stability, employment, development and improved public services rather than political confrontation.

The federal minister claimed that Chief Minister Afridi had left the province at a critical juncture by undertaking visits to Karachi and Lahore while the province was facing serious security and governance challenges.

He also criticised what he described as an appeal for donations for political activities and said public resources and political attention should instead be directed towards solving the people’s problems.

Engr Muqam said terrorism and the politics of long marches could not move together, stressing that the provincial government should prioritise the protection of citizens and strengthening institutions rather than agitation.

He claimed that the days of the incumbent provincial government were numbered because, according to him, it had failed to effectively address the growing threat of terrorism and other governance challenges.

“Politics based on hollow slogans and allegations cannot take the province forward,” he said, adding that the people were demanding practical measures for peace, development, jobs, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

The federal minister also accused the provincial leadership of attempting to use ethnic sentiments to mobilise people for the long march. He said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to Pakistan and rejected what he termed the politics of ethnic division.

“Our politics is linked with Pakistan,” he said, adding that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rendered enormous sacrifices for the country and would not allow anyone to weaken national unity.

Engr Muqam said that the PTI provincial government had failed to deliver on key fronts, including governance, development and the maintenance of peace, and urged the people to judge political parties on the basis of their performance rather than slogans.

He paid tribute to the security forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and said the sacrifices of soldiers and law-enforcement personnel would not go in vain.

“The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stand shoulder to shoulder with the brave security forces of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and are ready to render every sacrifice for their motherland,” he said.

The gathering echoed with full-throated slogans in favour of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir. Participants also chanted slogans of “Go PTI Go.”

Later, Engr Amir Muqam led a large peace rally, which was attended by a large number of people.