ANP rejects proposed Gandhara Corridor Bill

PESHAWAR: A former provincial minister of archeology and leader of the Awami National Party Syed Aqil Shah has rejected the proposed Gandhara Corridor Bill and declared it a violation of the 18th Amendment and interference in the provincial autonomy.

In a statement on Sunday, he expressed concerns over the recent proposal of the Gandhara Corridor Bill moved by the Member National Assembly from Pakistan People’s Party from Sindh Ramesh Kumar.

He accused Ramesh Kumar of again touching on a controversial topic.

“As people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), we see the potential ramifications this bill may have on our province, particularly about the preservation and promotion of our rich Gandharan Culture,” he said.

Aqil Shah said it was evident that the majority of Gandharan sites, approximately 90 per cent, were located within KP.

“Therefore, any legislation that impacts the management of cultural heritage sites should be approached with utmost care and consideration for the provinces involved,” he added. The former minister said the KP government possessed the necessary capabilities through institutions such as the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums and the Culture and Tourism Authority to effectively preserve and promote the Gandharan Culture within our region.

However, he said the proposed bill threatened to undermine these efforts by devolving authority over cultural heritage, a matter of immense importance, to the provinces.

The ANP leader said a similar bill, under the name “Gandhara Authority,” was presented last year in 2023 and was met with strong opposition from the Senate Standing Committee.

The committee rightfully highlighted the interference in provincial matters and the lack of consent from KP regarding the bill. Despite these objections, it is disheartening to witness a second attempt by Ramesh Kumar to push through legislation that is not in the interests of KP and Pakistan. Aqil Shah urged the PPP leadership to intervene and reconsider this bill and direct Ramesh Kumar to refrain from attempts to introduce legislation that disregards the concerns and interests of the KP government and its people.