Abbottabad — Qaumi Watan Party chief and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the province, attributing the rise in terrorism to what he described as the flawed narrative of the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.
Speaking to the media in Abbottabad, Sherpao said efforts had been made to make negotiations aimed at resolving security and political issues successful, but claimed that the then chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had remained a major obstacle to the talks.
Sherpao Calls for Emergency Measures in KP
Expressing concern over the province’s administrative situation, Sherpao said there was effectively no governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and questioned accountability for the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
He said the situation had made the imposition of an emergency in the province unavoidable. According to Sherpao, restoring public confidence should now be the administration’s primary priority.
He also called for urgent practical measures to address uncertainty surrounding the possible imposition of Governor’s Rule and to curb terrorism.
Sherpao said the objectives of Governor’s Rule could not be achieved unless the public received genuine relief.
Sherpao Denies Reports About Possible Governor Appointment
Responding to a question from journalist Rameeza Rumi, Sherpao rejected social media reports suggesting that he could be appointed governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said there was no truth in the reports circulating on social media.
Offering a way forward, the former chief minister and interior minister called for all political and administrative stakeholders to work together on a strategy for sustainable development and the restoration of law and order in the province.
Calls on Federal Government to Address KP’s Economic Problems
Discussing the economic situation, Sherpao criticized the federal government over repeated increases in petroleum prices, saying the hikes were adding to the inflationary burden on ordinary citizens.
He also accused the federal government of leaving Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to deal with its difficulties largely on its own.
Sherpao urged the federal government to play an immediate and effective role in addressing the province’s security situation, deteriorating law and order and economic challenges.