Aftab Sherpao said that a delegation from Pakistan is visiting Afghanistan to address the issues faced by both countries. He said that it would be a goodwill gesture to suggest step by step measures to further normalise the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said that delegations from both sides should continue to visit each other and the continuity of trade and social activities would boost and boost trade.
Sherpao regretted that crucial time was wasted on the Panama Leaks which could have been fruitfully used for every ones benefit. He lamented that this political tug of war over Panama Leaks greatly affected Pakhtuns as their problems had been put on the back burner. Aftab Sherpao vehemently pleaded the cause of democracy, saying that the sustainability of democracy would usher us in a new era of progress and development. He maintained QWP would not allow any move which could derail democratic process. He said that timely general elections would be instrumental for the durability of democratic institutions.
QWP chief expressed grave concerns over the unscheduled and excessive load-shedding in KP. He said that federal government had taken only cosmetic measures to end load-shedding which belies governments' claims.
He said that KP was producer of the cheaper hydel electricity through its resources but it had not benefited from cheaper hydel electricity generation for the welfare of people. He said unscheduled load-shedding for prolonged hours in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is badly affecting the socio-economic activities of KP.
He said that the KP had not been given its due share of CPEC which also included the electricity generation facilities. He regretted that the prime minister's claims of ending load-shedding in 2018 would not be beneficial for the KPK unless the whole system of distribution and transmission was overhauled. He called for an end to load-shedding in KP.
He went on to say that QWP believed in democratic and peaceful struggle to achieve rights of the people through constitutional means. He further said that there are people who inspire aggression and resort to violence against his party. He said our leaders and workers rendered great sacrifices and adopted peaceful means to achieve political goals. Aftab Sherpao said that QWP leaders and workers laid down their lives for the noble cause of the progress and prosperity of the country but never bowed before the enemies of the state. He added that violence had been used against his party and attempts made to push them against the wall but they had not deviated from its golden cause through peaceful means.
He said QWP was not allowed free access to people in 2013 general elections which affected its campaign. He added that such an atmosphere was created which erected barriers for party leadership to embark on electioneering in congenial political atmosphere but despite all odds we remained peaceful and canvassed in democratic way as democracy should be our destiny. The chairman clarified that it is important to provide all the federating units of Pakistan their due rights to strengthen federation. On the occasion Senior Minister and Provincial Chairman QWP Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao and other party leaders also addressed the public gathering.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017