Chairman Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has demanded the timely completion of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and ongoing hydel power generation projects that would be addressed the ongoing electricity shortages for effective implementation of CPEC projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He was addressing a mass gathering of people in District Shangla. Senior Minister for Irrigation Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao and QWP Secretary General Hashim Baber were also present on the occasion.
While addressing the gathering, Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao announced developmental projects for the area which include allocation of Rs 90 Million for flood protection projects, Rs 30 Million for construction of Bridges. Additionally the Minister also announced construction of Gibral Irrigation Scheme for which the feasibility study has already been completed. The scheme will irrigate 900 acres of land and will be completed by allocating Rs 100 Million for the project in the next Annual Development Plan.
Aftab Sherpao clarified that the Prime Minister should treat all the federating units equally in order to strengthen the federation and steps should be initiated to update the transmission lines in KP in order to avoid power losses and ensure sustainable supply of electricity. "If we are to reap the benefits of the CPEC project, concrete steps should be taken to provide a feasible and conducive environment to investors. Therefore it is utmost necessary to establish peace and that all ongoing energy projects in the province are completed on fast track basis."
Aftab Sherpao also demanded immediate integration of FATA with KP and stated that enemies of Pakistan and Pakhtoons are working hard to push the region into turmoil. He also appealed to all the political parties to avoid politicising the issue in order to usher an era of development that will benefit not only Pakistan but the entire region.
"Steps should be taken to unite Pakhtoons instead of dividing them. Brotherly relations with Afghanistan are the need of the hour. The fate of the entire region depends on Pakhtoon belt. Foes of Pakistan are making every effort to sabotage the CPEC project and to disturb the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan."
The Chairman also clarified that a dialogue process should be initiated with Afghanistan and government to government, institution to institution along with people to people contacts will help restore the trust deficit between both the countries. Additionally, concrete steps should also be taken for the dignified return of Afghans to their country. "We have served our Afghan brothers for decades and now enemies of Pakhtoons and Pakistan are making efforts to sabotage decades of service and hospitality. We have cultural, social and religious relations with the tribal people and people of Afghanistan. Without unity, our future and the future of Pakistan seems bleak void of any prospects of becoming a developed nation."
Aftab Sherpao stated that his party will raise voice for the rights and development of Pakhtoons on every forum and will not rest until people of the province are given their rights.