MARDAN: Provincial Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru here on Saturday said that terrorism was the big issue of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing a ‘meet the press programme’ in Mardan Press Club, he alleged that federal government had left provincial government alone to fight against terrorism. He said that centre neither provided funds to provincial government nor cooperated with it to combat terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that the province was facing shortage of resources to combat militancy. “We are facing the worst type of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said and lauded police and security forces for bravely fighting against terrorists.

The provincial minister said that provincial government was not giving any authority to federal government through mines and minerals bill to have control over the resources of KP. “All information regarding mines and minerals bill are rumours and baseless propaganda. The Act will be passed with the consent of PTI founder Imran Khan,” he added.

He said that internal differences in PTI on different issues were necessary as it was the beauty of politics. However, he claimed that there was no grouping in PTI.

Mr Toru alleged that central government was not providing due funds to provincial government. The financial condition of the province was going to be the worst if the funds and dues were not paid to provincial government by centre, he added.

He said that they were responsible for good governance and protection of freedom of democracy. He said that their government played exemplary role on both fronts.

He said that development and prosperity were linked with rule of law and supremacy of Constitution. He said that no nation could make progress without rule of law.

The minister said that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leaders were fighting for restoration of Constitution and rule of law in the country.

He said that chief minister inaugurated several developmental projects in different parts of Mardan during his visit to the district a few days ago.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2025

Opinion

Editorial

Iran stalemate
Updated 02 May, 2026

Iran stalemate

THE US and Iran are currently somewhere between war and peace. While a tenuous ceasefire — extended largely due to...
Tax shortfall
02 May, 2026

Tax shortfall

THE Rs684bn shortfall in tax collection during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is a continuation of a...
Teaching inclusion
02 May, 2026

Teaching inclusion

DISCRIMINATORY and exclusionary content in Punjab’s textbooks has been flagged in Inclusive Education for a United...
Water vision
01 May, 2026

Water vision

WATER insecurity in Pakistan has been building up for decades as per capita water availability has declined from...
Vaccine policy
01 May, 2026

Vaccine policy

PAKISTAN has finally approved its first National Vaccine Policy; a step the health ministry has rightly described as...
Labour rights
Updated 01 May, 2026

Labour rights

THE annual observance of May Day should move beyond statements about the state’s commitment to the rights of...