QWP provincial cabinet says KP government must prioritize public safety, peace, economic recovery and basic services instead of political confrontation.

PESHAWAR: The provincial cabinet of the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), chaired by provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, has expressed serious concern over law and order, economic difficulties and what it described as government negligence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting was held at Watan Kor, Peshawar, and discussed preparations for the party’s foundation day, a strategy to further strengthen and organize party activities, and the province’s security, political and economic situation.

The QWP provincial cabinet said political parties had the democratic right to hold protests to pursue their political objectives, but government responsibilities should not be neglected. It called for dialogue and understanding instead of confrontation and protest politics to address the current political crisis and create an environment conducive to political stability, democratic processes and resolution of public problems.

The participants said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was facing persistent insecurity, terrorism and threats to the lives and property of citizens. They also pointed to inflation, unemployment, economic hardship and shortages of basic facilities as factors adding to public difficulties.

According to the QWP, the provincial government should focus on improving law and order and providing relief to the public instead of remaining engaged in political confrontation and protest activities. The cabinet said the people had given the government a mandate to resolve their problems, not to engage in confrontation.

The meeting urged the government to reassess its priorities and ensure the protection of citizens, restoration of peace, economic recovery and provision of basic services.

The cabinet also termed the continued ban on urea fertilizer an anti-farmer decision and demanded its immediate withdrawal.

Through a resolution, the participants strongly condemned the recent blast in Kohat and other explosions and terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in southern and merged districts. They called on the federal and provincial governments to fulfill their constitutional and legal responsibilities for restoring peace and protecting citizens.

The meeting also described the compensation package for victims of the Kohat blast as insufficient and demanded compensation for damage caused to civilian and public property.

The party decided to observe its foundation day on Oct. 17 with a central program at Watan Kor, Peshawar, while other gatherings will be held at the divisional level.

A public outreach committee headed by QWP provincial general secretary Dr. Farooq Afzal was also formed to launch a contact campaign across the province in coordination with district party organizations. Another committee, headed by the party’s central information secretary Tariq Ahmad Khan, will oversee preparations for the foundation day and assign responsibilities to party office-bearers.

The QWP said it would continue its struggle for provincial rights, sustainable peace, democratic values, provincial autonomy and resolution of public issues.