ANP threatens to launch move against Swat admin

MINGORA: Awami National Party (ANP) district president and former chairman of the district development advisory committee Sher Shah Khan on Wednesday condemned the alleged unbecoming attitude of the deputy commissioner (DC) Swat and urged the government to transfer the official from the district forthwith.

Talking to reporters here, he said the district administration was responsible for the recent killing of an ANP leader in Kabal by unknown assailants. “The ANP condemns the misbehaviour of the DC and negligence on his part to provide security to people,” he said, adding that the ANP had sacrificed hundreds of its workers for peace in Swat.

Sher Shah said that he had personally met the DC regarding organising a study circle under the Pakhtun Students Federation for which he had submitted a written application.He said the DC then sought input from the police department, which responded positively. However, to appease his unknown masters, he said, the official deliberately delayed the matter and, even at the last moment, refused to sign the permission letter.

The ANP leader said that his party in consultation with other political parties and the Swat Qaumi Jirga, would soon announce a massive protest. “This protest will continue until DC Shehzad Mahboob is removed from Swat and a written apology is issued to the office-bearers of the Pakhtun Students Federation, Swat. He alleged the incumbent DC behaved like a representative of the ruling party, treating other parties with contempt and prejudice.

“Swat belongs to us, and we have always sacrificed for its welfare. We will never allow anyone to restrict us from using our own land in our own area,” her vowedHe appealed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir to transfer the ‘incompetent’ official from Swat and appoint a capable and responsible officer. The district administration has not yet issued a formal response to the allegations