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Amir Muqam Criticises KP Govt Over Security, Governance
Muhammad Saleem
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam has said that, in view of the prevailing situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the imposition of governor’s rule is a constitutional and legal option, and consultations on the matter are underway.
He also advised Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to prepare for imprisonment instead of launching a long march.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday alongside the party’s provincial leadership, Amir Muqam said Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would lead the process regarding governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He alleged that billions of rupees had been collected from contractors and the public in the name of the long march and party workers, but there was no record of the funds and they were allegedly being used for personal purposes.
Amir Muqam said the entire province was in the grip of terrorism and every citizen was being affected, but the provincial government was focusing on the release of “prisoner number 804.” He said no substantial preparations had been made for September 27 and a new date of October 4 had now been announced.
He claimed that the PTI lacked suitable leadership for the office of chief minister, alleging that one chief minister was replaced by another and that individuals were appointed to the position who, in his words, were not even fit to become councillors.
Amir Muqam said Sohail Afridi was talking about negotiations, but the federal government would not negotiate over the issue of “prisoner number 804,” adding that the matter would be decided by the courts.
The federal minister alleged that the PTI provincial government had attempted to create a “state within the state” by talking about negotiations with Afghanistan and the Taliban.
He said it was regrettable that security personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism were being referred to with terms such as “goons.”
Amir Muqam alleged that the chief minister no longer attended the funerals of security personnel and civilians killed in blasts and that his entire focus was on securing the release of “prisoner number 804.” He also referred to past investigations into attacks on Imran Khan, saying that the use of rubber bullets had reportedly emerged as one aspect of those investigations.
He alleged that the PTI was the same party that had attempted to bring back Taliban elements involved in terrorism to Pakistan and establish offices for them.
He said the provincial government was spending provincial resources and tax revenues on rallies and demonstrations instead of providing basic facilities to the people.
Amir Muqam said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had voted for the PTI expecting better governance and public facilities, but the people were now facing difficulties and hardships. He also criticised the provincial Police Act, alleging that it was being used to make appointments of police officials, from station house officers to deputy superintendents of police, according to the government’s wishes.
He said protests had previously been staged in Islamabad from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the leadership of Bushra Bibi and Ali Amin Gandapur for the release of “prisoner number 804,” but the leadership, he alleged, left the workers behind.
Amir Muqam claimed that PML-N had played a role in securing bail for arrested workers and helping them return home.
He further alleged that billions of rupees were once again being collected as donations in the name of the long march and party workers. According to him, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had left the Chief Minister’s House and visited different locations for mobilisation, but even 400 people could not be gathered for September 27, after which October 4 was announced as the new date.
He described the proposed long march as a “drama of profiteering” rather than a genuine political march. He also alleged that in the past, incidents had occurred in which vehicles allegedly carrying narcotics were taken towards Punjab under the cover of long marches.
Amir Muqam said, “Either the Constitution will prevail or it will not, but Sohail Afridi will not remain.” He further alleged that individuals allegedly involved in financial irregularities alongside Sohail Afridi would also have to face the law and that allegedly misappropriated money would have to be returned to the people.
National
Jhelum Chamber Executive Members Honoured for Services
PROVINCE REPORT
JHELUM: The Annual General Meeting 2026 of the Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held at the chamber’s hall with participation from members, executive members and staff.
President Jhelum Chamber Haji Zahid Hussain Butt welcomed the participants and guests at the beginning of the meeting. Details of the annual budget and financial affairs were presented, while the chamber’s overall performance and services in various fields were also reviewed.
On the occasion, President Haji Zahid Hussain Butt presented shields to executive members in recognition of their services. Cash prizes were also distributed among chamber staff.
Members and executives attending the meeting paid tribute to Haji Zahid Hussain Butt for his two-year tenure and efforts for the development of the Jhelum Chamber. They described his services as an important contribution to the chamber’s history.
