NOWSHERA, Jan 17: Provincial Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that certain hidden forces are out to delay the forthcoming general elections but democratic forces will not let them succeed in their nefarious designs.

He was addressing various gatherings on the occasion of inaugurating 42 development schemes in different localities of his constituency, PK-12, in Nowshera on Thursday.

Awami National Party (ANP) district president Ahrar Khattak, PK-12 president Zar Ali Khan, union council presidents and officials of government departments were also present on this occasion.

The minister said that constitutional tenure of the present government would end on March 16 and fresh elections would be held within 60 days after the dissolution of the present assemblies. He asked ANP workers to forge unity among their ranks and start preparations for the forthcoming general elections.

Expressing deep grief over the killing of 18 persons in Bara, Khyber Agency, he said that since tribal areas fell in the jurisdiction of federal government so the provincial government had no authority there. He said that they participated in the jirga held between the governor and tribal people provide relief to the affected families.

The minister said that tribal people were their brethren and they were close to each other on many counts.

“We will not tolerate any excess against them,” he said. He added it was unfortunate that certain elements tried to instigate people.

Mr Hussain said that they were passing through a very critical situation therefore they should abstain from further complicating problems as it would not do any good.

About the long march of Dr Tahirul Qadri, the minister said that both the government and the opposition showed unity and far sight in their reaction to it. He also appreciated the government for sending a team for holding talks with Dr Tahirul Qadri.

He said that the problem needed to be resolved amicably. He said that government already made it clear that all the fair demands of Dr Tahirul Qadri would be met.