Sherpao calls for dialogue to end political instability

CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday underlined the need for dialogue to end political instability, saying that it was undermining the country’s economy.

He made these remarks while talking to the media after attending a ceremony in connection with the death anniversary of those who lost their lives in Charsadda’s Sherpao village mosque blast on December 21, 2007.

It may be recalled that around 57 people were martyred and over 100 injured when a blast took place during Eid prayers at the mosque in Sherpao village on the first day of Eidul Azha.

The QWP leader paid rich tributes to the martyrs, stating that they had laid down their lives for the restoration of peace. He added that his party would always honour their sacrifices.

He said the security situation remained precarious and lamented that no lesson had been learnt from the past. He pointed out that law and order in the southern district and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were deteriorating with each passing day.

The veteran politician mentioned that the all-parties conference was recently held at the Governor’s House in Peshawar to address the worsening law and order and to urge the government to take corrective measures to curb the growing lawlessness. He also noted that even China had expressed concern over the poor law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where its nationals working on various projects had been targeted in attacks.

He criticized those prioritizing protests over steps to improve law and order, saying the nation would not forgive such actions.

Commenting on the prevailing political situation, Aftab Sherpao said his party would welcome talks between the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the government.

However, he stressed that the negotiations should take place without any preconditions.

Responding to a question, the QWP leader highlighted contradictions in the statements of the PTI leaders regarding the alleged killings of their workers during the D-Chowk protest. He said the PTI should have come up with solid evidence about the deaths of its workers.

However, he expressed sympathy for the families of PTI workers who had lost their lives in the protest and called for the release of jailed PTI workers.

Aftab Sherpao maintained that Imran Khan’s release could not be secured through protests and urged PTI to seek relief through the courts.