PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has warned against “rigging” the upcoming population census in the country, saying any such move would be synonymous to undermining majority of Pakhtuns.

“If the majority of Pakhtuns is undermined in the upcoming census, it would be bigger rigging than the alleged rigging in the general elections,” said Mr Sherpao, whose party is a coalition partner of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, he vowed that his party would strongly resist any move to turn the majority of Pakhtuns into minority. “Such a move will be unacceptable to QWP,” he added.

Mr Sherpao, who had served as federal interior minister during Gen Musharraf’s military regime, expressed concern over the measures of the federal government regarding census and said that it would badly affect the representation of Pakhtuns in services, resources as well as parliament.

The QWP chief said that counting machines had been installed in Lahore and Karachi for Punjab and Sindh respectively while data about population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be shifted to Islamabad owing to non-availability of the required facility.

“This is a conspiracy against Pakhtuns and we will not allow it,” said Mr Sherpao while regretting the decision of federal government. Population census is scheduled to be conducted in March next. Preparations for the countrywide exercise are underway.

The QWP chief said that population of Punjab had been decreased during several decades whereas population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa increased that would ultimately enhance the share of Pakhtuns. He stressed the need for genuine and accurate demographic counting.

Mr Sherpao said that Fata should be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the earliest. He said that people of Fata had rendered untold sacrifices therefore they should be brought into mainstream.

He appealed to all provinces to provide at least two per cent share to Fata in the federal divisible pool for the uplift of that under-developed region of the country. He said that any further delay in merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be great injustice.

Mr Sherpao said that contacts at the level of governments, establishment and people were essential to minimise tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said that the growing misunderstanding between the two states was inimical for the future of the region. He asked the leadership of both countries to play role for improving the ties.

Regarding US President Donald Trump maiden speech, the QWP chief said that he focused on economy that indicated the shift in Washington’s policies. He said that the US would shape its global policies accordingly. He called upon the government to evolve its foreign and economic policies in view of new development to promote national interests.

On this occasion, PTI Hazara division senior vice president Naeem Shaheen along with scores of his supporters announced joining QWP.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2017