PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Tuesday rejected the proposed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mines and Minerals Act, 2025, calling it a violation of provincial autonomy and contrary to the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Speaking at a meeting of the QWP’s Central Executive Committee, he expressed serious reservations about the draft legislation, stating that minerals were a purely provincial subject both before and after the 18th Amendment, and any federal involvement undermined the rights of the provinces.

The meeting, attended by all committee members, discussed the prevailing political and economic situation, QWP’s role and stance in the current circumstances and the recent surge in terrorist incidents in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Committee members also deliberated on the implications of the proposed minerals act and its expected approval from the provincial assembly.

Aftab Sherpao condemned incidents of harassment against Afghan refugees, calling for immediate action by all stakeholders to ensure their dignified and respectful repatriation. He voiced concern over the rising wave of terrorism and criticised both federal and provincial governments for what he described as negligence and inaction in countering the threat.

“The federal and provincial governments, along with all stakeholders, must take concrete steps to restore peace,” he said. “Peace is essential for both political and economic stability,” he added.

Referring to recent statements by the federal finance minister about a decline in inflation, Sherpao dismissed them as “ridiculous,” arguing that there was no visible relief for the people and no real impact of such claims could be seen on the ground.

He also claimed that there was no sign of development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where complaints and reports of corruption had become a daily occurrence.

Mr Sherpao criticised the ruling parties – PPP, PML-N, and PTI –stating that despite being in power, they had failed to present any concrete strategy to tackle the challenges facing the country.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2025