PESHAWAR: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser criticised the federal government for economic crisis, political victimisation, and what he termed a growing constitutional crisis.
Qaiser began his remarks by highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Peshawar, questioning the sincerity of federal leadership in addressing the concerns of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).”When FATA was merged into KP, there was a promise of Rs 100 billion annually. After the merger, our rightful share in the NFC award should be 19%, but unfortunately, that commitment has not been honoured,” he said.He expressed frustration over what he described as a persistent lack of development funds for the province, despite its history of suffering from terrorism for over four decades.
“KP has long been on the frontlines of conflict and deserves special attention. Yet, our inclusion in national development projects remains minimal,” Qaiser noted.Touching on trade and regional connectivity, the PTI leader criticised the federal government for halting Pak-Afghan transit trade, which he said is vital for KP’s economy and its ties with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
“Our province relies heavily on cross-border trade. Halting transit trade damages our economy and livelihoods,” he stated. He also accused the government of political victimisation, claiming that PTI leaders and workers are facing baseless legal cases. “The one who won just 17 seats has been made the Prime Minister, while those who won 70 percent of the mandate are in jail,” Qaiser remarked. On the ongoing Supreme Court proceedings regarding reserved seats, he expressed little hope for impartiality.
“Everyone knows what the verdict will be. Justice seems pre-determined in today’s environment,” he added. Qaiser also warned against proposed constitutional changes, specifically the 27th Amendment, which he claimed would increase executive control over the judiciary. Reaffirming PTI’s support for party founder Imran Khan, he demanded that Khan be given justice “according to the law,” and announced the party’s intention to launch a mass movement.
“We will consult with our allied parties after Eid and take our case to the people. This will be a movement for the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law,” he declared. Qaiser concluded by stating that PTI’s allied parties remain united and consultations for the planned movement are underway.
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