Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam has urged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to prioritise law and order in the province instead of organising long and short marches.
Addressing a ceremony in Peshawar, Amir Muqam said the provincial government should focus on restoring peace, ensuring stability and promoting development, as these were the key priorities of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Criticising the chief minister’s political activities, he alleged that the province had effectively remained paralysed for the past two and a half months due to political marches and protests.
Amir Muqam further alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had caused hardships for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during its 13 years in power and accused it of pursuing policies that went against the public interest.
Commenting on the PTI’s long march, the federal minister alleged that people were being exploited in its name. He also expressed confidence that the march would not reach Islamabad.
The minister said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa wanted peace, stability and development rather than political confrontation. He expressed hope that terrorism would be eliminated from the province, lasting peace would be restored and development activities would accelerate. Amir Muqam also praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying his leadership had enhanced Pakistan’s standing and reputation at the international level.