TP Report
Peshawar: Former Adviser to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Ajmal Khan Wazir, has said that lasting peace cannot be achieved unless the National Action Plan (NAP) is fully implemented. He termed the contradictory statements from the federal and provincial governments regarding Tirah as a matter of serious concern.
He expressed these views while speaking to the media at an event organized by Altaf Development in Peshawar.
Ajmal Wazir stated that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has released four billion rupees for Tirah Valley displaced people, whereas this amount should have been eight billion. He emphasized that the allocated funds must be spent transparently and solely for providing relief to displaced families. He warned that considering the extremely difficult circumstances under which the tribes of Tirah were forced to leave their homes, any delay in assistance could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis. Therefore, neither the province nor the country can afford corruption in relief funds meant for the affected people.
He expressed surprise that when the PTI government in the province holds press conferences, federal ministers including Khawaja Asif and Mohsin Naqvi respond through press conferences, but they do not visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to assess the suffering of the distressed tribesmen and provide relief.
He said that while both the federal and provincial governments claim that no operation is underway, a question arises as to who compelled the people of Tirah to leave their homes in harsh weather conditions and snowfall.
Ajmal Wazir remarked that despite holding high offices, both the Governor and the Chief Minister appear helpless. Major political parties are enjoying power at the center and in the provinces, while only the public continues to suffer. He added that rulers are unwilling to speak about the hardships faced by the people due to fear of losing power.
Regarding the National Action Plan, he said that neither the center nor the province implemented the 20 points of 2014 and the 14 points of 2021, which has led to the current deteriorating situation. He noted that although Islamabad is only two hours away from Peshawar, the Prime Minister has not found time to visit Peshawar and hold discussions with security institutions and the provincial government. At the same time, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa boycotts meetings with the federal government instead of discussing critical provincial matters.
Ajmal Wazir stated that the Chief Minister is not only the PTI’s Chief Minister but the Chief Minister of 40 million people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He expressed sorrow over the recent incident in Balochistan but praised the timely and brave actions of security forces that thwarted terrorist activities.
He said that the federal and provincial governments should have been on the same page regarding the Tirah operation, but unfortunately, they are engaged in blaming each other.
He regretted that even the Peace Jirga held in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly with participation from all political parties has not been considered by the federal government. He said the Prime Minister should have respected the Peace Jirga and listened to political representatives, as the final draft of the jirga was jointly prepared by PML-N, PPP, and PTI, incorporating the stance of all political and regional parties.
He added that neither the Governor nor the Chief Minister seems concerned about the public, while the people of Tirah Valley are suffering in severe cold. The rulers appear completely unsuccessful in establishing peace, whether in Tirah or other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Ajmal Wazir remarked that while the Chief Minister is visibly focused on securing the release of his party leader, more than 180 party leaders remain absent from the scene.
He concluded by saying that the need of the hour is for the federal and provincial governments to come together on one page to ensure investment and provide a peaceful environment for the public.
