PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) head Aftab Sherpao said on Saturday that due to the weak civilian government, proper attention was not given to improve Pak-Afghan relations.
In an interview with The News, the former interior minister observed that bringing Taliban to the negotiating table was impossible. He said that Afghan Taliban’s demand of holding direct negotiations with America, in the presence of Afghan government, was not justified.
Aftab Sherpao underlined the importance of taking tangible steps to end mistrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan as without restoring peace in the region, no progress could be achieved. Referring to the international pressure and worsening economic situation, he said that Pakistan was passing through a critical situation.
Commenting on the Senate elections scheduled for March 3, the QWP chairman said that despite making tall claims about transparency and fair-play, many political parties had allotted ticket to billionaires. He said the Senate election process earned a bad name for politicians, adding, his party had suggested direct elections to Senate or with show of hands but the suggestions were not accepted.
Aftab Sherpao said that 30 members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would not vote for their party’s nominees in the coming Senate election. He added that by allotting party tickets to wealthy candidates, the PTI had proved that it would give money to own MPAs.
Aftab Sherpao appreciated the Jang Group for exposing politicians, businessmen and others who owned properties in Dubai. He demanded formation of a commission to investigate the assets and to bring back the money to the country for the welfare of the people. He said Pakistan would need no loan from the World Bank and other international money-lending organisations if the looted wealth was brought back. The former interior minister said that he had not seen such aggressiveness in the politics where everyone moved the courts even for minor issues. He said the political atmosphere had been electrified due to forthcoming general election. The political parties should concentrate on one point agenda to pave way for holding the election on time instead of fighting each other, Sherpao went on to add.
