QWP chief Sherpao calls for merger of FATA with KP

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  • Says putting the issue on backburner would increase growing sense of deprivation among tribal people

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said that the rising wave of terrorism in Pakistan and Afghanistan has put the stability of people in the region on a stake which was a cause of concern for both Pakistanis and Afghans.

He was addressing the 5th foundation day here on Sunday at Dalazak Road Peshawar. He said that the growing trend of extremism in the region is detrimental to the progress and stability in the region; therefore, extended cooperation and cordial relation between the two neighbours would help remove the menace of terrorism. He said that decade-long issue of terrorism could only be addressed through mutual cooperation and cognitive measures to evolve proactive stability to weed out the menace of extremism from the societies.

Renouncing the US policy, he said that it is reactive policy because Pakistan was not taken on board; therefore, it would be devastating for the balance of power in the region, which may open floodgates of instability and turmoil. He asked Pentagon to revisit its policy, remove flaws and evolve a proactive Afghan policy, as per the wishes and input of Pakistan.

He lamented the delaying tactics surrounding the FATA-KP merger, saying that putting the issue on the backburner would further increase the growing sense of deprivation among the tribal people. He said that the people of FATA rendered enormous sacrifices for the stability and protection of the borders of Pakistan, but their sacrifices had been ignored by the centre.

He added that the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) should be abolished in the agencies soon, which was nothing but a black law for the tribal people.

He said that the FATA-KP merger was the demand of QWP from the day one and “our party stood firmly with the tribal people on the FATA-KP merger issue.”

He said the ruling party in KP talked about a new Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but it could not bring any change in the lives of the people, which exposed their credentials.

He said that the wrong economic policies of the PTI-led provincial government have plagued the province and people into debt. He said that unemployment had been increased and the provincial government had done nothing. PTI badly failed in education and health sectors, resulting in the social sector facing serious governance issues.

Sherpao said that Pashtuns rendered sacrifices for the cause of Pakistan but they had not been given their rights rewards, adding that the only objective of the party was the welfare of Pashtuns.

QWP Provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, Central General Secretary Hashim Khan Babar, Provincial General Secretary Anisa Zeb Tahir Kheli, and other party leaders also spoke on the occasion.