Sherpao asks Centre to address ‘grievances of Pakhtuns’

Bureau report

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Sherpao on Friday said that the 'step-motherly' attitude of the federal government would further increase the sense of deprivation among Pakhtuns.

He said this while speaking during a press conference at his residence here, wherein Asamuddin Orakzai of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf with his family members and scores of supporters announced joining the QWP.

The QWP leader urged the federal government to address the grievances of Pakhtuns to acknowledge their sacrifices in the war on terror. The new entrants reposed confidence in the leadership of party chairman and said that QWP was the only party in the province which was working for the rights of Pakhtuns.

Sherpao termed the PTI-led provincial government a failure. "PTI Chairman Imran Khan is a liar. The PTI chief was criticising federal government for taking loans but the KP government has broken all records in taking loans," he added.

Ashrafuddin Pirzada adds from Landikotal: Talking to reporters here, Aftab Sherpao said that Imran Khan promoted irresponsible politics in Pakistan. He said the Senate election was rigged and votes of souls of several so-called political leaders purchased. He said chairman and deputy chairman slots in the Senate election were also allegedly made controversial.

"Fata reforms bill was intentionally delayed for five months in senate that further increased the gulf between the government and people of Fata," said Aftab Sherpao. He added that his party would raise voice for Pakhtuns' rights inside and outside the Parliament. He said the government should not waste more time and announce Fata's merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

"Restricting Torkham border for the Afghan nationals has given an opportunity to the Indian government to attract Afghan traders and businessmen to import goods from Indian markets," Sherpao said, adding, the Afghan citizens were travelling to India where they were getting cheap and standard medical treatment at hospitals.