Sherpao calls for resolving PanamaLeaks issue

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz activists from Shangla join QWP

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief Aftab Sherpao on Sunday said that the Panama Papers’ revelations had diverted government’s attention from important matters and asked the ruling and opposition parties to finalise terms of reference (ToRs) for formation of a commission to resolve the issue once and for all.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said that the Panama Leaks issue had created a sense of political and economic inactivity. Former PML-N Shangla president Muhammad Zaman Khan, Muhammad Khan, Nasrullah and Muslim League Lawyers Forum President Majidullah joined the party on the occasion.

Aftab Sherpao said there has been a tug-of-war between the federal and provincial governments from the very first day after the 2013 elections, adding that the Centre should not be biased towards the people of smaller provinces as it would ultimately weaken the federation.About Pak-Afghan relations, the QWP chief said that killing of Taliban leader added fuel to the fire as it could bring negative impacts on the upcoming quadrilateral coordination group’s (QCG) meeting.

“To me, there is no ray of hope from the QCG to help resolve Afghan peace settlement following the killing of Afghan Taliban leader Mulla Akbar Mansour,” Aftab Sherpao hinted.

Emphasising on the unity of the Pakhtuns, Aftab Sherpao said that the entire nation was waiting for report of the Fata Reforms Committee to decide fate of the people of Fata. He added that Fata should be merged into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bring tribespeople into mainstream and make voice of the Pakhtuns stronger.

Highlighting importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, he said the Chinese government was intending to develop its remote areas through the
project.

“We should also follow in footsteps of our neighbours and focus on the terrorism-hit areas by establishing economic zones and other developmental projects. And if the government does not give proper attention to the war-affected areas like Swat, Shangla and Fata, then this project would become useless,” Aftab Sherpao said.