PESHAWAR: The inauguration of Doaba Canal in District Charsadda was formally held by the Chairman Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao and Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao. The canal will irrigate 33,977 acres of land benefitting residents of 48 surrounding villages. While speaking on the occasion, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said that the ADP scheme for the reconstruction and extension of the canal has been increased from 200 million to 500 million in order to meet the demands of people involved in the agricultural sector of the District. He praised the efforts of QWP for addressing the long standing demands of the people of the area adding that QWP will always support farmers because agricultural sector is the financial backbone of the nation. “Most of our people are employed in the agricultural sector and this canal will provide tremendous livelihood opportunities to them. Additionally, the extension of the canal will create many job opportunities for the locals as well as the people of the province,” he added. The chairman further stated that QWP is the only political force in the province that believes in taking practical steps for the betterment and welfare of Pakhtun nation. While commenting on the merger of FATA with KP, the chairman clarified that the merger of FATA with KP will open new avenues for development of Pakhtun. “We demanded complete and immediate merger of FATA with KP. However, the stance of the party, on the recent cabinet decision on FATA reforms, will be given only after evaluating and studying the decision,” he maintained. The Chairman also criticized the attitude of Federal and Punjab government for marginalization and harassment of Pakhtun in Punjab adding that such measures are poisonous for the federation and is tantamount to spreading of racism in the country. He demanded stern action and punishment for those found involved spreading racism and hatred against Pakhtun people in Punjab.