PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Amir Muqam says consultations are underway on governor’s rule and criticizes PTI’s provincial government over security and political priorities.
PESHAWAR: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President and Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam on Monday said governor’s rule in the province was a constitutional and legal option, as consultations continued on the matter.
Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club alongside the party’s provincial leadership, Muqam said PTI-backed Chief Minister Sohail Afridi should prepare to face legal proceedings instead of organizing a long march.
He alleged that billions of rupees had been collected from contractors and the public in the name of the long march and party workers, claiming there was no record of the funds and alleging that the money had been diverted into private pockets. These allegations were made by Muqam during the press conference and were not independently substantiated in the material provided.
Muqam said the entire province was facing terrorism while the provincial government remained focused on securing the release of “Prisoner No. 804,” a reference to PTI founder Imran Khan. He alleged that the provincial government had attempted to create a “state within a state” by discussing negotiations with Afghanistan and the Taliban.
He also criticized the provincial government over its handling of security issues, alleging that security personnel who had sacrificed their lives for the country were being described in derogatory terms. Muqam further claimed that the chief minister was no longer attending funerals of security personnel and civilians killed in attacks.
Regarding the proposed long march, Muqam said preparations had not been made for Sept. 27 and claimed that the Oct. 4 date would also not result in a march. He said Afridi had conducted mobilization efforts after leaving the Chief Minister’s House but could not gather 400 people for the Sept. 27 plan.
Muqam described the proposed march as a political exercise and alleged that, in the past, vehicles carrying drugs had been taken to Punjab under the cover of long marches. He did not provide evidence for the allegation during the remarks supplied for publication.
He said PTI had been given votes by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for public services but accused the provincial government of spending provincial resources and tax revenue on rallies and political gatherings instead.
Muqam also criticized the provincial police law, calling it a “drama” and alleging that it was intended to give the government greater control over police postings, including those of station house officers and deputy superintendents of police.
He said governor’s rule remained under consultation and that Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would lead the process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Muqam added that the federal government would not negotiate over Imran Khan’s case, saying the courts would determine his fate.
Muqam also referred to earlier PTI protests in Islamabad, alleging that party workers had previously been left without leadership and later required assistance with bail and transportation back to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He concluded by saying that those allegedly involved in financial wrongdoing would have to face legal consequences and return public money if found responsible.
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