Attack on Sherpao meant to silence Pakhtuns' voice: QWP

Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao has said that attack on QWP chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao is meant to silence Pakhtuns' voice and such attacks can't stop party's leadership from the struggle to safeguard their constitutional rights.
He made these remarks during a public gathering at Muhammad Patay in Malakand Agency on Saturday where former candidate for provincial assembly Jehan Zarin Khan along with his family members and supporters joined the party and expressed confidence on party's leadership. QWP former MPA Jahangir Khan was also present. He said that QWP had kept raising voice for the rights of Pakhtuns and anti-Pakhtuns elements didn't want anyone to help mitigate problems faced by the people of this province, adding that this was the only possible reason behind the attack on party's chief. "Now it is duty of the provincial government to investigate the incident and expose those elements involved in this heinous crime," he demanded.
Lamenting on federal and provincial governments, QWP Provincial Chairman said so far the incumbents had not been taken conducive steps on the implementation of National Action Plan. Such kind of attacks could be prevented if the government takes serious action regarding its implementation in real sense, he added.
Talking about local bodies polls, Sikandar Sherpao said his party would contest the upcoming local government elections at all level. "The policy to push the Pakhtuns against the wall will not be succeeded anymore as QWP leaders and workers are fully determined to continue the struggle for the right of the oppressed people of this province," Sikandar Sherpao vowed.
He, on the occasion, also urged Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure transparent local bodies election and stop use of government machinery and funds for changing public opinion. While criticizing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led provincial government, QWP leader said Pakhtuns would reject the so-called pioneers of the change in local bodies election because they do not have any policy and strategy to spend funds on developmental projects, adding that KP government had spent only 25 percent of the Annual Development Program (ADP) last year which clearly show their inefficiency and inability to serve people affected by militancy and extremism.