QWP slams govts for rising lawlessness, inflation

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao on Friday criticized the federal and provincial governments for failing to address the two most pressing issues being faced by the country i.e. deteriorating security and economic instability.

He was speaking at a joint meeting of chairpersons and general secretaries of the QWP district chapters at Watan Kor, Peshawar. The meeting was held to discuss preparations for the upcoming death anniversary of former governor Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao. QWP provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao chaired the meeting.

The QWP office-bearers from all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as well as the heads of various party wings shared their suggestions regarding the event.The district-level office-bearers were instructed to initiate preparations in their respective areas for the upcoming gathering to mark the death anniversary of Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao. It was also decided that the central gathering to mark the 50th death anniversary of Hayat Sherpao would be held on February 11 in Sherpao village. Party members paid tribute to the late leader, highlighting his leadership qualities and his relentless struggle for the rights of marginalized communities.

Addressing the meeting, Sikandar Sherpao said that terrorist incidents and economic decline were on the rise, while the government had failed to take effective measures to counter these challenges.

He dismissed the government’s claims of controlling inflation, stating that the continuous rise in food prices had made it difficult for people to afford even two meals a day. Sikandar Sherpao pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most underdeveloped province and had suffered further setbacks due to unfavourable circumstances over the past three decades.

He said that due to the negligence of the authorities, terrorists operated freely in the province, particularly in the southern districts. He added that the law and order situation in the merged districts and Malakand Division was also alarming.

Terming PTI’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the darkest period in the province’s history, he stated that no public welfare or development projects were undertaken during this time. Expressing concern over the ongoing wave of violence, inflation, and economic turmoil, he urged the government to take concrete measures to restore peace and protect the people.