CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has rejected calls for snap elections, saying that the demand of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in this regard is illogical.

He was speaking at a public meeting after the inauguration of Sui gas project at Kot Tarnab here the other day.

Mr Sherpao said that in case of mid-term elections Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be deprived of additional three seats in the National Assembly as the amendment for this purpose would not be possible. He said that those favouring early elections wanted to shrink the representation of KP in the National Assembly.

He said that the campaign for snap polls had exposed the elements who wanted to snatch three seats from KP and one each from Balochistan and Islamabad. He termed the nomination of five-member parliamentary committee a good omen which would oversee the proposed amendment in the Constitution about the enhancement of National Assembly seats.

However, he said that the matter should not be delayed anymore. He said that all the stakeholders should honour the apex court’s recent verdict. Nobody should be jubilant over disqualification of a politician, he said, adding that all political parties should work for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Mr Sherpao said that good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan were vital for regional peace and stability. He contended that concerted efforts were required to end the turmoil in the region.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2017