PESHAWAR, Feb 3: Interior Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Friday said the government was keen to give provinces their due rights as per the provisions of the constitution.

Addressing a large public meeting in his native Sherpao village in Charsadda district, the minister said that parliamentary democracy could flourish when the federating units were viable and economically prosperous. For this purpose, he said, more financial resources have been placed at the disposal of the provinces.

Referring to the new NFC award, Mr Sherpao said that with an increase in the share of provinces from the federal divisible pool, the provinces would be able to complete ongoing development projects on time and launch new schemes for community welfare.

Hailing the president’s announcement about the construction of Munda and Bhasha dams, Mr Sherpao said the two projects would usher in a new era of national development. He said that a disinformation campaign launched by certain elements about the rights of Pukhtuns had fizzled out following the president’s announcement on new water reservoirs.

Mr Sherpao maintained that PPP did not want to derive political mileage from this issue. “These elements are not sincere to the cause of Pukhtuns and are using this issue in order to pursue their political agenda,” he added.

He said that PPP had made strenuous efforts for Munda dam which would bring socio-economic revolution in the area.

He said the project would attract an investment of Rs70 billion and would be instrumental in generating electricity on cheaper rates, creating employment opportunities and providing sufficient water to thousands of acres of land.

While paying glowing tributes to the late Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao, he said that he had laid down his life for the rights of Pukhtuns, integrity of the country and stability of federation.

On account of Muharram, he said, the death anniversary of Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao would now be held on Feb 13 instead of Feb 8.

NWFP Assembly members Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao and Alamzeb Khan Umerzai also addressed the public meeting.

—APP