Sherpao calls for steps to tackle terrorism

CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday called for a comprehensive approach to counter terrorism.

Speaking to the media here, he criticised the government for its failure to implement the National Action Plan to counter growing acts of terrorism.

Sherpao expressed concerns over the lack of government writ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa particularly in southern districts. “The government’s writ is shrinking in the southern belt, and the people are being pitted against each other,” he remarked. He said the government was not taking steps to tackle terrorism and implement the National Action Plan.

Sherpao called for dialogue with Afghanistan to address the root causes of terrorism and stressed the importance of revisiting and expanding the 20 points outlined in the National Action Plan. He urged the government to convene an all-parties conference to evolve consensus on a strategy to tackle terrorism and stabilize the economy.

Commenting on a recent statement by the DG ISPR, the QWP leader condemned the use of the term “dowry” in reference to provincial resources, calling it an insult to Pakhtuns.

Sherpao said the provincial government was focused on securing the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. “The government’s priorities are misplaced. Imran Khan’s release will not resolve the country’s challenges. The PTI should follow due legal process,” he said.