LOWER DIR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has alleged that federal government is causing financial instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by withholding its budgeted share to pave way for governor’s rule.

He said that a democratically elected government was toppled under the regime change conspiracy and corrupt politicians were brought in power.

The chief minister said that the incumbent federal cabinet was not representing Pakistanis and was brought in power to serve alien interests. “The time for the ‘do more’ narrative has come to an end as Pakistanis now demand relations with the international community on an equality basis,” he added.

Addressing a public gathering here, he said that Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan was working for true independence of the country that’s why attempt was made on his life.

Mahmood alleges rulers want to oust Imran from political arena

The chief minister alleged that corrupt rulers wanted to remove Imran Khan from political landscape by any means to pave the way for serving their alien masters and continuing their corrupt practices.

During his day-long visit to Upper Dir, the chief minister also inaugurated various development projects and performed groundbreaking of various others.

He inaugurated Rescue 1122 building in Ankar that has been completed at a cost of Rs53.56 million. Similarly, he performed groundbreaking of the cadet college, which will be established over an area of 514 kanals to house 600 students. The project will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs3.6 billion.

Groundbreaking of 44-kilometre Patrak to Thal Kumrat road was also performed in addition to construction, rehabilitation and widening of over 30-kilometre of link roads at various spots in Upper Dir.

The chief minister said that provincial government would utilise every political, constitutional and legal means to get rights for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

He added that provincial government would continue its developmental activities despite various attempts by the federal cabinet to halt its efforts.

He said that people were supporting PTI chairman Imran Khan in his struggle as he was fighting for the future of the country. He said that people from all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would participate with zeal in the long march to root out corrupt politicians.

Addressing a public gathering at Upper Dir Chowk, the chief minister said that policies and reforms of provincial government were yielding results. He criticised the past governments for not utilising funds for the welfare of people.

Referring to the groundbreaking of two degree colleges for women during his visit, he said that provision of equal opportunities of getting education to girls was manifesto of provincial government. He said that formalities for construction of Dir Motorway were finalised and work on the project would be started soon.

Mahmood Khan said that provincial government believed in uniform development of the province, including the newly merged districts.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2022