Hoti criticises KP govt’s decision to sell university land

MARDAN: Former chief minister and central leader of Awami National Party (ANP), Ameer Haider Hoti, has strongly criticised the provincial government’s decision to sell or return land purchased for Bacha Khan Medical College, Agriculture University, and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) during the ANP government.

He announced plans to call a general meeting with all political parties, lawyers, businessmen, media, and civil society.Addressing a news conference at the Mardan Press Club and a protest rally in front of the club, Hoti emphasised that those fighting for Mardan were still active.

Hoti argued that the provincial government was selling national assets. He warned Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur that attempts to sell educational assets would be strongly resisted.He questioned that while the PTI-led government declared an educational emergency and promised to convert the governor’s and chief minister’s houses into libraries and universities, but were now selling land meant for universities in Mardan. He stressed that PTI should not play with the future of the nation’s children.

Hoti accused the government of prioritising its interests over the nation’s future and called for funds to be released to universities instead of giving money to a few MPAs. He argued that the assets of educational institutions should be increased, not sold, and suggested that the government was taking this step because their associates have already made bookings to purchase the land.

Hoti accused the PTI government of incompetence, noting that despite planning projects on the land for 11 years, the second and third phases of Abdul Wali Khan University, the medical institute in Bacha Khan Greater Complex, and the agricultural university had not started.

He stated that changing the names of institutions named after national celebrities would be unacceptable.Hoti mentioned his contributions as chief minister, providing land and funds for Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu, Mufti Mehmood Flyover, Swat Kidney Centre, and Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Peshawar. He criticised PTI for not laying a single brick in 11 years and argued that Pashtuns were being persecuted through slogans and claims.

He announced plans to call a Jirga of all political parties, including PTI, lawyers, media, and civil society. He warned that if the government does not withdraw its decision, a protest movement would be started, and they would approach the court to ensure the decision was not accepted.