Achakzai, Senator Nasir Abbas given mandate for talks, protest, says KP CM

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has said that the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has delegated all authority regarding negotiations with the government or launching a political movement to Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Senator Allama Nasir Abbas.

The Chief Minister stated to the media during his visit to Jamrud that the party’s future political strategy would now be formulated in consultation with these leaders. He added that another key directive of the PTI founder relates to the launch of a street movement for which the practical preparations have already begun.

“We will not rest until the street movement succeeds. Party workers are fully active and mobilized,” Afridi said.

Commenting on the situation in the Tirah Valley, the Chief Minister said he was not aware of any displacement taking place in the area. However, he expressed serious concern over reports that local residents were forced to sign agreements under pressure. “This is a disturbing development,” he noted.

He said that if any formal case regarding the difficulties faced by the people of Tirah Valley was brought before him, he would raise the issue and ensure the protection of public rights. Afridi further clarified that no official had contacted him so far regarding any possible operation in the area.

Referring to the development of the merged tribal districts, the Chief Minister recalled that he had already announced a development package of Rs 1,000 billion for these areas. He said the government was taking serious steps to bring the merged districts into the national mainstream and provide basic amenities to their residents.

CM Afridi reaffirmed that all decisions aimed at resolving public issues and ensuring political stability will be taken through consultation and within the constitutional framework, stressing that no compromise would be made with regard to the people of the province.

Qaiser calls for observing ‘Black Day’ on February 8

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and general secretary of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan Asad Qaiser has appealed to transporters and the business community to help observe a “black day” on February 8.

In a statement, Qaiser said February 8 will be marked as a black day under the banner of Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Aain Pakistan to protest what he described as the denial of the constitutional and democratic rights of the people in the general elections held on February 8, 2024.

He said that people’s fundamental and constitutional right to vote was taken away in these elections, terming it as a serious attack on democracy. “Now it is up to the people to decide whether they want to choose their representatives through transparent elections or allow decisions about their fate to be made by people sitting in offices,” he added.

The former Speaker of the National Assembly warned the public saying that if people failed to protect their right to vote, their voices would not be heard at any level. He questioned the performance of the present assembly and asked it to point out even a single piece of legislation or measure which has been taken in public interest and which has brought real relief to the people.

He said that inflation, unemployment and lawlessness were constantly increasing in the country, while the policies of the government were completely against public interest and were designed for a certain class and the elite.

Referring to the election results, the PTI leader claimed that on February 8, the people had given PTI 180 seats while Nawaz Sharif’s party secured only 17 seats, yet the party with 17 seats currently holds the reins of governance, legislation and policy making.

He urged the public to come out in large numbers on February 8 to defend their right to vote. He also appealed to the transport community to fully participate in the strike and urged traders to observe a shutter-down strike.

Qaiser said that on February 8, the people of Pakistan must send a clear message to the world that they will not compromise their constitutional and democratic rights, stressing that it is their fundamental right to choose their own leadership.