CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said that governor’s rule and emergency should be withdrawn as soon as possible so that democracy can be restored and fundamental rights are not violated.
He also called for an early end to terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying peace was essential for economic stability and development in the province.
Talking to journalists in Tangi tehsil here, he said that terrorism could not be eliminated overnight. He said that the governor should focus on restoring peace in the province. He added that economy and development were directly linked to peace and security.
Mr Sherpao said that public welfare should be the top priority of government, alleging that no meaningful practical steps had been taken for welfare and prosperity of the people during the last 13 years.
Sherpao terms peace essential for economic stability
Commenting on the prevailing political situation, he said that discussions were under way about a possible change of chief minister, but the immediate priority should be elimination of terrorism instead of political manoeuvring.
“The governor’s rule and imposition of an emergency are not good measures. We want governor’s rule and emergency to be withdrawn as soon as possible,” said Mr Sherpao. He said that democratic government and protection of constitutional rights were essential for the province’s progress.
Referring to the Apex Committee meeting, he said that the proposed allocation of Rs160 billion for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was insufficient in view of the province’s prolonged struggle against terrorism and its economic challenges.
He said that the province should be given its due share under National Finance Commission (NFC) Award along with its constitutional entitlements, including net hydel profit and gas royalty. He said that timely payment of those dues was necessary to improve the province’s financial position and accelerate development.
Criticising the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government, Mr Sherpao alleged that it had failed to take effective measures for public welfare during its 13 years in power. He accused the provincial government of focusing on protests, sit-in and march for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan instead of addressing the problems faced by people.
On the ongoing anti-encroachment drive, the QWP chairman said that government should follow a clear set of priorities. He said that action should be also taken against the officials, who allowed encroachments.
Meanwhile, QWP provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao addressed a public gathering in Shabqadar and said that the region had been witnessing bloodshed and unrest for the last 20 to 25 years.
He urged both the federal government and provincial setup to fulfil their responsibilities and take effective steps to end the prevailing uncertainty. He also expressed concern over what he called unequal development across the country.
He said that people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had equal rights to development, public services and economic opportunities. He added that children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserved access to quality education and other essential facilities.
Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2026
