Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has warned if the majority of Pakhtuns was undermined in the recent census it would be bigger rigging than the elections.
He added that QWP would strongly oppose any such move to turn the majority of Pakhtuns into minority. He was addressing a press conference at Watan Kor Peshawar. On this occasion PTI Hazara Division Senior Vice President and ex- candidate PK-60, Naeem Shaheen along with scores of supporters announced joining QWP.
Aftab Sherpao hailed the joining of new entrants in party and hoped that they would give more strength to the party in the area. He expressed concerns over the measures of the federal government regarding census saying that it would badly affect the representation of Pakhtuns in services, resources and parliament. He said that counting machines had been established in Lahore and Karachi for Punjab and Sindh but the same had been set up in Islamabad for KP.
He regretted that it was a conspiracy against Pakhtuns which would not be allowed. He said that the population of Punjab had been decreased during several decades whereas that of KP increased which would ultimately enhance the share of Pakhtuns. He asked that genuine and correct demographic counting should be carried out in accordance with the aspirations of masses.
He demanded that FATA should be merged with KP at the earliest. He said that the people of FATA had rendered untold sacrifices therefore they should be brought into mainstream. He appealed to all the provinces to provide 2 per cent share to FATA in Federal Divisible pool for its uplift. He said that any further delay in FATA merger would be great injustice.
He said that the governments, establishment and people level contacts were essential to minimize the tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He deplored that the growing misunderstanding between two states was inimical for the future of the region. He asked the leadership of both the countries to play respective role for improving the ties.
Regarding US President Donald Trump maiden speech, he said that he focused on economy which indicated the shift in Washington policies. He said that the US would shape its global policies accordingly. He called upon the Pakistani government to evolve its foreign and economic policies in view of new development so that to promote our national interests.
