PESHAWAR/SHANGLA: Qaumi Watan Party provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Sherpao has said that merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and brotherly relations with Afghanistan would promote peace and boost economy of the region.

Addressing a meeting of party workers here on Sunday, he said that merger of Fata with the province would be a new chapter in the course of history as it would open the doors of development and success for Pakhtuns and the entire nation.

Sikandar Sherpao, who is also senior provincial minister, said that brotherly relations with Afghanistan were also necessary as both the countries had cultural, religious and historical affinity.

Seeks share for Pakhtuns in CPEC projects

He said that Pakhtuns on both sides of the border could not be separated.

“It is important for the governments of both the countries to take appropriate measures for strengthening bilateral relations by using diplomatic channels as well as ensuring greater cooperation between both the countries in the field of infrastructure, education, health and commerce,” said Sikandar Sherpao.

He said that both the countries should launch students and cultural exchange programmes to reduce trust deficit that was created by the enemies of Pakhtuns.

He said that government of Pakistan should take measures to develop relations with Afghanistan as it was necessary for establishment of peace in the region.

The meeting of QWP workers was held to make preparations for 42nd death anniversary of former governor Hayat Mohammad Khan Sherpao.

Paying tributes to Hayat Sherpao, the QWP leader said that people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would never forget his sacrifices and ideology. He said that Hayat Sherpao sacrificed his life to get rights for Pakhtuns. He said that QWP always raised voice for the rights of Pakhtuns.

Meanwhile, QWP leaders from five districts -- Shangla, Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Battagram and Torghar -- have demanded of the government to include the area in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The QWP leaders including Nisar Ahmed Khan, Malak Ali Dad, Naeem Shaheen, Riaz Ahmed and Dr Sajad told a press conference that government should set up industrial zone in the region under CPEC.

Dr Sajjad said that government should merge Fata with Khyber Pakhunkhwa without any delay.

He said that federal government was ignoring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in CPEC projects. “It is injustice with Pakhtuns,” he added.

The QWP leader said that government should provide electricity to the local people at cheap price because of the power projects were being executed in Kohistan, Shangla and Torghar.

Published in Dawn, February 6th, 2017