Punjab Plane Purchase Termed Misuse of Public Resources
TP Report
PESHAWAR: Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, addressed the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected cabinet and governing body at Peshawar Press Club, congratulating the office-bearers and reaffirming his government’s commitment to democratic values and press freedom.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the recent peaceful protest regarding the health of Imran Khan was not politically motivated but aimed at securing a fundamental constitutional right. He emphasized that access to a personal physician is both a constitutional and legal entitlement.
Afridi said preventing Imran Khan from hospital treatment amounts to a violation of the Constitution, law, and fundamental human rights. He demanded that the founding chairman be allowed to consult his personal physicians, Dr. Asim Yousaf and Dr. Faisal Sultan, in accordance with court directives. Despite judicial orders, he alleged, full medical facilities are not being provided.
He warned that continued governmental reluctance raises serious concerns, suggesting that “something is being hidden.” The Chief Minister stressed that democratic conduct should not be misconstrued as weakness, reiterating that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf believes in the supremacy of public mandate.
Highlighting provincial matters, Afridi said Rs4 billion had been allocated for the victims of Tirah, regretting that unnecessary controversy was created over the initiative. He criticized the federal government for running the economy on loans while allowing what he termed extravagant expenditures.
Referring to reports of a $37 million aircraft purchase by the Punjab government, he described the move as misuse of public resources, particularly at a time when Pakistan faces significant debt. He also termed the alleged Rs5,300 billion corruption report concerning the national treasury a grave issue that demands immediate accountability.
The Chief Minister demanded that the federation release Rs4,758 billion in outstanding dues to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling it the province’s constitutional right. He asserted that the province, which rendered immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, would not tolerate fiscal injustice.
On media affairs, Afridi lauded Peshawar Press Club for upholding democratic traditions and acknowledged the sacrifices of journalists during difficult times of terrorism. He assured complete freedom of expression in the province and welcomed constructive criticism.
Announcing significant welfare measures, the Chief Minister declared a grant of Rs150 million for the welfare of journalists of Peshawar Press Club. He increased the number of scholarships for journalists from 100 to 150 and enhanced the Journalists Welfare Endowment Fund from Rs200 million to Rs500 million. He also directed authorities to expedite the PC-1 process for a new building or high-rise project for the Press Club.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening journalism and democratic institutions in the province.
