PESHAWAR : Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Engineer Amir Muqam has said that the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are now on the same page following the imposition of Governor’s Rule and emergency measures, pledging accountability for alleged corruption, misuse of public resources and support for militants.
Addressing the media at the Peshawar Press Club, Muqam claimed that the 13 year period of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rule had been marked by unemployment, terrorism and the wastage of public resources. He said the time had come to address the longstanding grievances of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and provide them with facilities comparable to those available in other provinces.
Muqam alleged that public funds had been used for political rallies and demonstrations and to pursue political objectives, including attempts to confront the federal government. He called for those accused of corruption and misuse of public money during the PTI government to be held accountable.
He said the advisory council should play an effective role in ensuring accountability and addressing governance challenges. He also alleged that the previous provincial administration had failed to give adequate attention to governance while focusing on political gatherings and protests.
The federal minister further claimed that the PTI government’s departure had not triggered widespread protests across the province. Instead, he alleged, people in some areas celebrated the end of its rule by distributing sweets and dancing. He described the situation as an opportunity to begin a new phase of governance and development in the province.
On the security situation, Muqam said law enforcement agencies were playing their role in maintaining peace and expressed confidence that counterterrorism operations would now be pursued more openly and effectively. He accused the previous provincial government of providing protection to militants, an allegation that could not be independently verified from his remarks.
Muqam said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had suffered prolonged insecurity and deprivation and deserved tangible improvements in public services, employment opportunities and development. He maintained that the province’s resources should be utilised for public welfare rather than political purposes.
Acknowledging the difficulties caused by containers placed on roads and major routes in Peshawar, the minister said the government was aware of the inconvenience faced by commuters and residents. He assured the public that the containers would be removed and roads reopened within a day or two.
He added that law enforcement agencies were working to maintain law and order and expressed optimism that a new phase of stability, development and prosperity would begin in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Muqam’s remarks came amid heightened political and administrative uncertainty in the province following the reported imposition of Governor’s Rule and emergency measures, developments that have intensified debate over provincial governance, political accountability and the future direction of federal-provincial relations.
