PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has blamed the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for losing the provincial government, alleging that its leadership had prioritised the release of its jailed leader over addressing public issues and protecting the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Addressing a gathering at Watan Kor here the other day to mark the 14th foundation day of the QWP, Mr Sherpao held PTI leaders and its social media pressure groups responsible for the breakdown of talks with the federal government.

He alleged that the party had ignored the pressing issues confronting the province.

“The PTI wasted precious time and resources of the province by staging useless long marches and protests,” he said.

Mr Sherpao said terrorism remained the biggest challenge facing the province, but alleged that the PTI leadership had failed to take effective measures to address the problem. He said the law and order situation had deteriorated to such an extent that people in the southern districts and merged tribal districts were unable to leave their homes after sunset.

He said his party opposed the imposition of emergency or governor’s rule in the province, describing such measures as a last resort in view of what he termed the PTI government’s non-serious attitude.

The QWP chairman also accused PTI leaders of corruption and misuse of provincial resources. He claimed that around five million children were out of school in KP and said the province had suffered from poor governance during the PTI’s tenure.

He alleged that funds allocated for various development projects had been misappropriated by PTI leaders.

Mr Sherpao said the incumbent political setup faced the challenge of addressing the province’s longstanding issues. He urged the federal government to demonstrate tangible progress in resolving these problems within three months.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2026