KP opposes Gandhara Corridor Bill: CM’s aide

MANSEHRA: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Saturday opposed the Gandhara Corridor Bill tabled by an MNA from Sindh for its approval in the National Assembly.

“The bill moved by Ramesh Kumar in the National Assembly is unconstitutional following the passage of 18th Amendment. This amounts to interference in the affairs of the province,” Zahid Chanzeb, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Tourism, Archeology and Culture, told reporters here.

He said archeology and tourism were provincial subjects that fell in their domains and they could only legislate if needed following the 18th Amendment.

“The federal government cannot legislate on provincial subjects and if this bill’s mover is so interested he should first ensure such legislation in the Sindh Assembly where the Mohenjo-Daro’s ancient arch­ae­­ological pieces are widely located,” Chanzeb said.

He said all Gandhara archaeological sites were found in Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa and his government would never allow such a heist of its ancient treasures by the federal government through such unconstitutional legislation.

“I have taken up this issue with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. We have decided to raise this issue in the assembly, and all such other legal forums as this is an issue of provincial autonomy,” Chanzeb said.

The adviser also lauded the stand taken by all political parties on this issue and said that they would never allow the federal government to deprive KP of its ancient assets.

“We also condemn the establishment of the Gandhara Culture Authority by the caretaker government in 2023, and demand the federal government to devolve this entity to the provinces,” Chanzeb said.

He said the ancient sites of the Gandhara and other civilisations were great assets and sources of revenue for the province, and their government would never allow the federal government to deprive them of its due rights.

“The federal government should release the outstanding arrears of net hydel profit, natural gas and oil royalty so that we could spend it on the welfare of our people,” Chanzeb said.