PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Friday called on all stakeholders including the government and political parties, to agree on a unified narrative to address the challenges facing the country, particularly the growing threat of terrorism.

Speaking at a gathering at Watan Kor in Peshawar, he said there was an urgent need for collective efforts to find lasting solutions to national issues. He observed that terrorism had steadily increased over the past two to three years, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and stressed that political stability was essential at a time when Pakistan was confronted with multiple challenges.

Mr Sherpao said the federation and the provinces must be on the same page to effectively counter terrorism, warning that political confrontation would weaken the country. He expressed concern over what he described as growing tensions between the Centre and the provinces, terming it a bad omen for the federation.

During the event, former MPA Meraj Humayun announced her decision to join the Qaumi Watan Party along with her supporters. Office-bearers of the QWP Swabi chapter, led by Masood Jabbar, were also present on the occasion.

Criticising Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Mr Sherpao took exception to his demand from the Centre to provide proof of terrorist incidents originating from Afghanistan. He recalled that former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur had previously acknowledged that Afghan soil was being used to stage terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government should present a clear and workable strategy to deal with terrorism, adding that while the use of force adversely affected innocent people, the authorities needed to articulate an effective alternative to address the menace.

Mr Sherpao also criticised the federal government’s claims of economic improvement, saying there was no visible improvement in the socioeconomic conditions of the people. He added that the alleged economic gains had not translated into any trickle-down benefits for the public.

Referring to the flour crisis, he said it had further strained relations between the Centre and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2026