Daily Times

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao has said that military courts not the solution to eliminate terrorism from the country but there is a dire need that we all stand together for this menace.

This he said on Saturday while addressing a press conference at his residence ‘Watan Kor’ at University Town Peshawar. Sherpao said that for the last two years military courts have been working and the government should take steps to establish alternative courts that judiciary should be more strengthen in the country. “The government is going to call All Parties Conference (APC) soon in Islamabad for the establishment of military courts in the country again”, he added. Aftab Sherpao expressed grave concern over the recent wave of terrorist attacks across Pakistan stating that the recent events have created uncertainty among common citizens of the country. The chairman added that the National Action Plan, framed after the APS attack has not been implemented in letter and spirit due to which terrorists are once again threatening the peace of the country.

Aftab Sherpao also stated that the merger of FATA and KP will not only make KP the second largest province of the country, but will also be helpful in reducing militancy in the country. The chairman added that the merger will provide access to law enforcement agencies of the province to FATA in addition to extending the jurisdiction of the judicial system to FATA.

The chairman also expressed apprehension over the deteriorating relations with neighbouring Afghanistan stating that the foreign policy of the country needs to be revisited in order to achieve sustainable and enduring peace in the region. “The closure of border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is causing trade losses to common citizens across the country” he added. He further informed that both the countries need to undertake confidence building measures in order to reduce the trust deficit among both the nations. He also stressed on the need to use diplomatic channels to develop mutual understanding between both the countries. Additionally cultural, student and similar exchange programs should be held in order to develop an understanding between citizens of both the countries.

The chairman also urged that possibilities should be explored by both the countries to hold joint operation against terrorists in both the countries.

He added that miscreants were causing losses to both the nations across the border and were also threatening the peace of the region due to which a joint action against terrorists could be a more viable way forward for both neighbours.

In his address, the chairman also strongly criticized the steps by Punjab police to marginalize and harasses Pakhtoons residing in Punjab and stated that the malicious propaganda should be stopped that is linking terrorism with Pakhtoons.

The chairman added that QWP will take every step to stop racism in the country adding that such steps are threatening the integrity of the federation.

Aftab Khan also clarified that a large number of people are currently joining the ranks of QWP which is evidence of the growing popularity of the party. He added that QWP will sweep the polls in the next general elections because it has emerged as the only true representative party for Pakhtoons in KP. On the occasion Saeed Khan from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf join QWP party along with his family members and friend and said that PTI was misleading the people on the voice of change as there was no change occur in KP during the PTI government in KP for the last three years. Bakht Baider Khan, Sikander Khan Sherpao and other leader of Qaumi Watan Party were also present.