Minister wants demands of Parachinar protesters accepted

CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial chairman and Senior Minister for Irrigation Sikandar Sherpao has asked the government to accept the demands of the affectees of the Parachinar terrorist act.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence on Thursday, he deplored what he believed was the discrimination in the distribution of compensation amount between the Fata and Punjab victims.

He said the federal government actions were compelling Pakhtuns to work for a united Pakhtun province to make collective efforts for their rights.

The senior minister said his party leaders had been saddened by the gruesome incident in Bahawalpur that left several people burnt to death but added that the government discriminatory action was condemnable.

He said leaders of the smaller federating units were always accused of creating differences along ethnic lines. But the federation is actually responsible for creating a sense of alienation among the people of smaller providences, he added.

Sikandar Sherpao alleged that federation was not fulfilling its responsibilities and had allowed Punjab to usurp resources of smaller provinces. He stressed the need for unity among the three provinces to take collective steps for their rights.

The senior minister said that prime minister’s every scheme was being launched in Punjab and the remaining provinces were not provided their rights.

He asked the government to hold talks with the protesters in Parachinar and accept their demands.