State Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Shehryar Afridi on Wednesday invited Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to come forward and resolve the matter through dialogue. He said that it is the government's responsibility to respect every Pakistani and they offer the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to resolve issues through talks.
Addressing a press conference, he asserted that it is the time for Pakistan to illuminate after darkness. "Whoever will try to take the law in his own hands, will be dealt strictly," he added. There will be no compromise in Naya (new) Pakistan. Afridi said that slogans were never chanted against Pakistan in the history of Pakhtuns. He further said if there is any sort of issue with them then it can be peacefully resolved through dialogue. "Pakistan is in safe hands now and it has a very bright future," he added.
He categorically said no body will be allowed to challenge the writ of the state and cast an evil eye on the country. He strongly denounced the attack on the security check post in Waziristan, and the language used by certain elements against the Armed Forces. He recalled, "The Armed Forces have rendered immense sacrifices in the war on terror and we should respect them." He said that no compromise will be made on the law and the Constitution and anybody hurling accusation against a state institution will be penalised.
The minister of state said that there are foreign forces which want to destabilise Pakistan and "we have to demonstrate unity to foil their designs."
Shehryar Khan Afridi said that efforts are afoot to empower the tribal people. He said that ninety-five billion rupees have been released for the development of tribal districts. He said more funds will be released for the prosperity of tribal people. He said, "We have also addressed their longstanding issues including clearing their blocked National identity cards. We have consistently engaged tribal people to bring them into the national mainstream."
Pakistan has been a host to millions of Afghan refugees for the last four decades. This has been an unprecedented example of generosity and brotherhood that has been shown by Pakistan despite its financial restraints and meagre resources.
He said the Prime Minister on Feb 25, 2019 announced and thereafter allowed opening of bank accounts to all Afghan refugees in Pakistani banks as a good will gesture. This will facilitate Afghan refugees in trade, self/private employment and other financial transactions. Total spending of Pakistan on Afghan refugees management from regular funding for the last ten years is Rs 4 billion, he said.