PESHAWAR – Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam has said that Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a constitutional option, but would be considered only as a last resort.Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club alongside Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leaders, Muqam said the necessary requirements for such a step were in place, but the federal government would take any decision only after careful consideration.Muqam congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on his successful visit to the United States and praised his address to the United Nations, particularly his advocacy for the people of Kashmir and Palestine.He also described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as great leaders of the Muslim Ummah.
Describing himself as a citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muqam said the people of the province were directly suffering from the deteriorating law and order situation.He said he himself had suffered losses in terrorist attacks, adding that the people, police and security forces had made great sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.He alleged that after around 13 years of PTI rule, the province had witnessed deterioration in law and order, education, health and other sectors.He said the PML-N would soon issue a white paper on the performance of the provincial government.
Muqam said the biggest challenge facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the law and order situation.He said the provincial government should focus on governance, development and restoration of peace instead of protests.
Regarding engagement with Afghanistan, Muqam said foreign policy and negotiations with neighbouring countries fell within the domain of the federal government and were not within the mandate of the provincial government.
He also criticised provincial legislation concerning the appointment and control of the Inspector General of Police and Chief Secretary, saying legislation contrary to the Constitution would be challenged before the constitutional forums.Muqam also raised questions about the security situation surrounding political activities in the province.He said attacks had taken place against different political parties and public gatherings, while, according to him, similar attacks had not occurred during PTI activities. He said the situation required an explanation.He called upon all political parties and the public to unite against terrorism, saying police and security forces were continuing to sacrifice their lives on the frontline while civilians were also paying a heavy price.
Referring to the PTI’s announced protest in Islamabad on October 4, Muqam said such protest activities affected normal life.He said Islamabad housed foreign embassies and important national institutions and that the federal government was responsible for ensuring the security of the federal capital.He said those violating the law would face legal action.On the possibility of imposing Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muqam reiterated that it was a constitutional option and would be considered as a last resort.He said those responsible for alleged unconstitutional actions and corruption in the provincial government would have to answer before the law.He added that the situation had reached a stage where the matter is now about days, not months.
Muqam said the federal government was prepared to discuss the issues facing the country and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, he said the release of any political prisoner was a matter for the courts and could not be negotiated by the government.He also criticised the financial costs associated with repeated protests and security arrangements, saying public funds from both the federal and provincial governments were being spent on containers and security instead of development.Muqam proposed convening an All Parties Conference to discuss Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security, resources and other major issues.
He urged the leadership of all political parties to sit together and formulate a joint strategy for resolving the province’s problems.We want the problems of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be resolved so that the province can also enjoy peace and development like other parts of the country, he said.
