ABBOTTABAD: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said that there is no justification for politics in the name of Islam, making it clear that the government will not allow anyone to create hurdles to the process of ‘change’ and development in the country.

He said that the government would take all steps, including institutional reforms, to benefit the people and establish peace and social harmony.

The chief minister expressed these views while addressing a seminar at the Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Havelian, and oath-taking ceremony of Abbottabad Press Club during his daylong visit to Abbottabad on Friday.

KP Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ghani, food minister Qalander Lohdi, MNAs Ali Khan Jadoon and Uzma Khan Jadoon, other PTI leaders, Commissioner Hazara Zaheerul Islam, vice-chancellor of Abbottabad University Dr Mujaddad-ur-Rehman, traders and students attended the ceremonies.

Mahmood Khan says no justification for politics in the name of Islam

The chief minister termed the proposed Azadi March of JUI chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and ongoing strike of doctors against reforms in health sector completely unjustified. He said that if these people had any issues they should sit with the government. “We are ready to address their grievances,” he said.

However, the CM categorically stated the government would not allow anyone to take the law into his own hands. He said that Pakistan was currently facing serious internal and external challenges due to the Kashmir issue and economic situation, but people should not worry because Prime Minister Imran Khan had accepted these challenges. “We will soon come out of these problems under the dynamic leadership of Imran Khan,” he said.

Mahmood Khan said that despite difficult financial situation the government would accomplish the requirements of universities and institutions for higher education. He announced a grant of R1.4 billion for the Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Rs8 million for Abbottabad Press Club and Rs2m for Abbottabad Union of Journalists. He also announced Media Colony for Abbottabad Press Club and Provision of Astroturf for hockey ground with the cooperation of federal government.

The chief minister regretted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was doing politics in the name of Islam and freedom. “The fact is that Pakistan had got independence in 1947 and come into being in the name of Islam so there is no justification for politics in the name of Islam and freedom,” he said.

About the health workers’ strike in the province, he said that the reforms introduced by the government in health sector were aimed at improving healthcare services in the public sector hospitals. “There is no privatisation plan. Doctors are government employees and they will remain government employees,” he said.

The chief minister said that if doctors had any problem, they should sit with the government for its resolution.

Earlier, Mahmood Khan’s helicopter landed at the Hockey Stadium, Abbottabad, and he attended a function in the adjacent building of press club. He later flew to KP Assembly speaker’s residence in helicopter instead of going by road as doctors, paramedics and journalists had already announced to hold a protest demo during the CM’s visit to Abbottabad.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2019