CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said here on Thursday that terrorism and political instability had ruined the economy of the country.

He was addressing the condolence reference for known lawyer Nisar Ahmad Khan at district bar. He paid glowing tributes to Nisar Ahmad Khan and lauded his efforts for the cause of Pakhtuns.

Mr Sherpao said that the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bearing the brunt of inflation as the province lacked resources to generate jobs and provide relief to people. He feared that the federal government might not be able to provide relief to people in the next budget.

He said that in the prevailing circumstances, parties should rise above political divide, set aside their differences and join hands to work for the development of the country and wellbeing of the people.

Commenting on the economic situation in the province, the QWP leader said that the political leaders recently called on the caretaker chief minister and assured him that they would play their role in finding solutions to the problems of the cash-strapped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Criticising Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for the May 9 mayhem, Mr Sherpao said the protest would have been more effective if the Imran Khan-led party staged peaceful demonstrations instead of indulging in vandalism.

He said that the country had seen many political movements in the past, but it had never experienced violent protests in which government and military installations were attacked.

He said that May 9 incidents of violence would have far-reaching impact on the country. He added that the perpetrators of the violence should be identified and brought to justice.

Mr Sherpao stressed the need for creating job opportunities for the youth so that they could be prevented from indulging in acts of violence. He said that youth should be equipped with skills so that they could utilise their energy in positive activities.

Published in Dawn, June 2nd, 2023