KP CM sees broader Indian conspiracy against Pakistan

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Thursday condemned the Indian government’s stance towards Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident.

In a statement, he described India’s aggressive posture as “lamentable and intolerable,” warning that Pakistan is fully prepared to deliver a strong response to any form of aggression.

Speaking during the 31st meeting of the provincial cabinet here, the chief minister accused the Modi-led government of deliberately attempting to exploit the Pahalgam incident as part of a broader conspiracy against Pakistan. He termed the incident a glaring failure of the Indian government. Expressing sorrow over the loss of innocent lives in the incident, Gandapur criticized the Indian leadership for using the incident as a pretext to malign Pakistan to cover up their own incompetence.

He cautioned that any hostile move by India under the guise of this event would incur a heavy price.

The chief minister emphasized that the Pakistani nation stands united in safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests and is ready to make any necessary sacrifices.

He stated that India’s aggressive policies have consistently posed a threat to regional peace.

The cabinet meeting was attended by the members, chief secretary, and other officials.

Meanwhile, elaborating on the decisions of the cabinet, Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said the cabinet approved a draft bill for amendment to Section 12 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Charities Act, 2019.The amendment provides for renewing the registration of a charity after every two years of registration.

Similarly, the cabinet also approved adding a new set of rules Part IX-A in the West Pakistan Land Revenue Rules, 1968 in pursuance of the provisions of sections 121, 122 (2), 129 (1), 148 and 182 of the West Pakistan Land Revenue Act, 1967. The new set of rules pertains to the demarcation of land and the eviction of unauthorized landowners.The cabinet accorded approval to the appointment of two members for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board.

It also allowed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BOIT) to utilize Rs 25 million out of the leftover fund to cover the staff salaries and operational expenses.

The cabinet approved Rs 1 billion as a grant-in-aid/subsidy for the smooth operation of Peshawar BRT Services during the current financial year.

The cabinet approved forwarding the joint Resolution No. 132 adopted by the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the federal government, which states that the KP Assembly categorically rejected the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), as they are contrary to the principles of a free press and freedom of expression. It had called upon the KP Government to recommend to the federal government that all controversial, undemocratic, and oppressive amendments to the PECA law be withdrawn.

The cabinet approved amendments in the Rules of Business 1985 in respect of the Social Welfare, Special Education & Women Empowerment Department, allowing the department to place a gender parity report before the KP Assembly on an annual basis.