PESHAWAR, Feb 3: Central leader of Pakistan People’s Party (Sherpao), Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao on Sunday underscored the need for effective strategy to combat the rapidly growing socio-economic problems. He said the sense of deprivation of the masses could only be removed through the resolution of vital national issues.
He was addressing a public meeting at village Ziam Haware, District Charsadda in connection with the 27th death anniversary of Hayat Sherpao. The participants of the meeting vowed to observe the anniversary on Feb 8 with traditional zeal and enthusiasm.
He said the nation was facing hardships owing to the growing tension between India and Pakistan. He believed that national harmony would be essential to fight any aggression. He said “we should exhibit unity and solidarity for national cause.”
The PPP leader contended that former NWFP Chief Minister, Aftab Sherpao was the lone undisputed politician who would effectively work for ending the crisis in the country. He viewed that Mr Sherpao, being a patriotic political leader, had always struggled to strengthen the federation.
He contended that the viability of federation could be achieved through provincial autonomy, adding that a sense of alienation amongst the smaller federating units would not be in the national interest. He said the crisis in Afghanistan had also created apprehensions among Pukhtuns.
Sikandar Sherpao flayed the hike in prices of utilities that would multiply the sufferings of the hapless people. He castigated the present regime for the withdrawal of subsidy on gas and electricity. He said that such harsh measures would open the floodgates of price-hike which would hit the poor particularly hard.
He said only political leadership could fill the political vacuum.
“We will prove on Feb 8 that real political force in the province is PPP (Sherpao),” he claimed. He said the party had emerged as the biggest political group in the NWFP due to the historic victory in local bodies polls and warm welcome accorded to Sherpao on his return.
The PPP leader eulogized the sacrifices rendered by Hayat Sherpao. He said that he had shed his precious life for the noble cause of the people.
He asked the party workers to make the anniversary event a great success.