SWABI: Former chief minister and leader of the opposition Awami National Party Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has criticised the PTI-led federal government over the ‘denial’ of the rights under the last National Finance Commission Award to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing the party workers’ convention here on Saturday, the ANP leader said the ruling PTI had failed to deliver on election promises and it had done nothing for the people’s development over the years.

He claimed that the PTI leaders had re-inaugurated the projects initiated by the ANP government in Swabi and other parts of the province, to claim credit for them.

Mr Hoti voiced concern about the worsening Afghan security situation and warned if a government not elected by the Afghan people was installed in Kabul, a civil war would erupt in the country leaving far-reaching adverse impact on the neighbouring countries, especially Pakistan.

Insists PTI leaders re-inaugurate projects initiated by ANP govt

He said the US and other world powers should let Afghans decide their future and resolve issues by themselves for peace and stability in their country.

The ANP leader urged the party workers to forge unity and prepare for local body and general elections to claim victory.

He said Swabi district would re-emerge as a stronghold of the ANP with the people voting it to power.

Other party leaders also spoke on the occasion.

Meanwhile, two employees of the mines and mineral department Rizwanullah and Inamullah were booked here on Saturday after the anti-corruption establishment caught them red-handed taking bribe from a resident.

The ACE officials seized Rs14,000 currency notes leading to the registration of an FIR by the police.

The action came on the formal complaint of Wali Rehman, a resident of Jalbai village.

The complainant insisted that the mines and mineral officials had threatened farmers with strict action if they weren’t bribed.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man committed suicide in Jabai village of Gadoon Amazai area on Saturday.

Parents insisted that their son killed himself with a pistol in his room over a domestic issue.

ASI BOOKED: The Tordher police have registered an FIR against assistant sub-inspector Waqas Khan over gunfire near Jalsai village that claimed a life.

The development comes following talks between the police and a jirga from Jalsai.

A week ago, the police opened fire near the Jalsai village routeat night injuring Sher Wali, who died in the hospital afterwards.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has cancelled Sunday’s visit to the main campus of the University of Swabi citing his busy schedule as the reason.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2021