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