SWABI, Sept 21: Political Affairs Minister Amir Muqam said on Thursday that those who claimed to be champions of Pukhuns’ rights had done nothing for their welfare, except deceiving them with slogans at different times.

Addressing public meetings and speaking to local government representatives here, the minister said both the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and Awami National Party had created obstacles for those who wanted to do something for the welfare of the masses.

Mr Muqam alleged that the MMA government in the NWFP had been involved in corruption and said people were unhappy with its policies.

He said people no longer supported the MMA and it would be proved in the next election.

“Both the MMA and the ANP have only raised hollow slogans,” he said.

He alleged that Chief Minister Akram Durrani was focussing his attention only on his hometown.

“Now is the time to provide electricity, gas and potable water to people of the country and there is no place for leaders who make false promises”, he said.

He announced that all parts of the Swabi district would get gas supply.

The minister claimed that President Pervez Musharraf had saved the country from bankruptcy, stabilised its economy and boosted its status.

“Pakistan was the next target of the United States but it was the shrewdness of the president which saved the country,” he said.

He said that no village in the country would be without electricity supply after 2007. He announced electricity would be supplied to the areas around Gandaf.

Mr Muqam’s visit gave political boost to former provincial food minister Ghafoor Khan Jadoon who had remained isolated after he turned approver against former chief minister Sardar Mahtab Khan in the wheat scandal case.

Swabi Nazim Shahram Khan said the district government had received Rs100 million announced by President Musharraf during his visit to the area in January.