Deprivation of 91 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa projects from the federal budget is causing terrorism resurgence, alleged Asad Qaiser, former National Assembly speaker, on Monday. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, the PTI leader claimed that these projects included health, education, energy, and other crucial sectors.
“We were promised an additional 3% of the NFC award due to the Fata merger, but even that hasn’t been fulfilled. Each year, we are supposed to receive Rs100 billion, but the funds are not released,” Qaiser stated.
Flanked by KP Assembly members and other party leaders, Qaiser argued that KP is being deprived of funds because the people voted for Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). He emphasized that the additional funds promise should be honored.
PTI leader Atif Khan highlighted the severe electricity loadshedding crisis in KP amid the heatwave. “If electricity is being stolen, why hasn’t a single lineman faced action? I fear electricity prices will rise after the budget announcement,” he said.
Shahram Tarakai expressed that terrorism is increasing due to such federal policies. In his rebuke, Qaiser condemned the government’s blatant abuse of power and relentless oppression of PTI workers, leaders, and National Assembly members.
The former NA speaker lamented that PTI-backed opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan and four other parliament members were denied entry to the anti-terrorism court in Sargodha. He questioned if Punjab had become a police state or was under martial law where political rights are trampled.
Qaiser called on incumbent NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to protect the dignity of the chair and lawmakers’ privileges. The deprivation of funds and rights, according to Qaiser, is a serious issue impacting KP and democracy.
The deprivation faced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to spark significant concerns, as voiced by its leaders during the press conference.
