SWABI: Leaders of various political parties here have said that harassment of Pakhtuns in Punjab would be a major issue in the next general election in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that could dent chances of PML-N.

Speaking in ‘Rabita Programme’ of the Gandhara Union of Journalists on “Pakhtuns’ harassment in Punjab and our responsibilities,” the speakers claimed that Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanullah had admitted in a recent interview that Punjab police raids focused on areas dominated by Pakhtuns.

Fazal Ali, central deputy chief of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, said that the Punjab establishment should stop the practice of targeting Pakhtuns because this would create hate among people. He said that the recent anti-Pakhtuns actions had strengthened their belief that they did not enjoy liberty in Punjab.

Masood Jabar, former provincial deputy general secretary of Qaumi Watan Party, said that those who hatched conspiracies against Pakhtuns had been involved in fueling anti-Pakhtun sentiments.

“We oppose all tactics to harm or harass Pakhtuns in Punjab or any other community anywhere in our country. Those who devised anti-Pakhtuns actions don’t understand the impact of such acts,” he said.

Awami National Party Senator Sitara Ayaz said that their party followed the non-violence philosophy of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.

Each community and every Pakistani should enjoy equal rights and there is no need of discrimination because it leads to polarisation and disunity, she said.

MPA Babar Saleem, chairman of Swabi Qaumi Mahaz, said that the federal government and Pakhtun leaders should resolve the issue of Pakhtuns’ harassment as soon as possible.

ARRESTED: Police here claimed to have arrested three alleged robbers and recovered snatched mobiles and looted money from them.

Officials said that Rs123,000 cash and mobile was snatched from a trader near Maneri Bala graveyard when he was on way home.

The suspects were identified as Shah Faisal, Talha and Abidullah, all residents of Maneri Bala. An FIR has been registered against them in the city police station.

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2017