Showing severe resentment against the US’ blames, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet in a meeting with Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti in the chair said nobody else but the US itself was responsible for creating the Haqqani group.
“We are against all terrorists groups and we want them eliminated, including the Haqqani network,” KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain said while talking to reporters about the cabinet proceedings, adding that the cabinet had discussed in situation in depth and had welcomed Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s decision of convening All Parties Conference. The cabinet observed that such act on the part of the premier would encourage solidarity at this important and crucial stage.
In response to a question, Hussain said the ISPR had already contradicted every sort of assistance and help to Haqqani Network and the cabinet had suggested that the US review its stance on the matter.
Referring to US allegation of cross border incursion, Hussain said the KP government was against interference in internal affairs of Afghanistan or Pakistan. On such grounds, the provincial government favoured maximum cooperation and coordination between Pakistan, the US and Afghanistan, he said, adding that the terrorist organisations should be engaged in a dialogue.
In response to a question, Hussain said keeping the fate of Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in view, “we request all politico-religious circles to remain careful on arising rifts and misunderstanding between Pakistan and the US.” He said instead of issuing provocative statements all of them must wait for the APC to be held on Sept 29 at Islamabad,” he said.
The cabinet has earlier after thread bare discussion announced adopting of Private Sector Power Initiative Policies in according to latest decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Hussain said according to CCI decision, the federating units having the rights to execute and develop hydel generation schemes upto 50 megawatts. In this respect, the provincial government was informed about the proposed dams to be executed in different parts of the province.
The provincial cabinet also discussed the Pakistan Drug Authority sponsored projects in KP. The cabinet was informed that federal government would support execution of 10 schemes worth Rs 144 billion. These schemes would include hospitals, clinics, laboratories and other health caring schemes throughout the province.
