MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding its announced long march to Islamabad on September 27.
He stated that PTI governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for nearly four years and should inform the public about the measures taken for public welfare during that period and how the resources received from the federal government were utilized.
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad, Engineer Amir Muqam said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should also question their provincial government about how the resources provided by the federation were used to improve education, healthcare, and government institutions.
He noted that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are currently grappling with various serious issues, including terrorism, while daily life is being disrupted by unrest in certain areas.
Under the prevailing circumstances, the priority of governments should be to eliminate the hardships faced by the public and resolve their issues.
The Federal Minister stated that citizens are losing their loved ones in acts of terrorism, and the public is facing difficulties in Swat, the southern districts, and other regions.
In such a situation, there is a need for practical measures to eradicate terrorism and resolve public grievances, rather than resorting to protests and long marches.
Questioning the performance of the PTI provincial government, Amir Muqam remarked that the party had ruled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for a long time and must now answer to the public regarding its performance. According to him, a political party dedicated to resolving public issues should also keep the public informed about the resources allocated to the province and how they are utilized.
He stated that if the objective of the PTI’s politics is to resolve public grievances, the party must also disclose what measures were taken to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
While congratulating the newly elected President of Azad Kashmir, Dr. Muhammad Najeeb Naqi, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs noted that Dr. Naqi hails from the Poonch Division; his election as President of Azad Kashmir sends a positive message to the people of the region.
Amir Muqam observed that the people of Poonch had long felt excluded from the government and the administrative system; however, Dr. Najeeb Naqi’s election as President marks a significant step toward dispelling that sentiment.
He stated that work is underway to fulfill the promises of development and progress made to the people of Azad Kashmir by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In addition to various development projects, progress is also being made on the plan to establish five ‘Danish Schools’ in Azad Kashmir.
Issues should be resolved through dialogue
Engineer Amir Muqam appealed to individuals from Rawalakot and Poonch to call off their protests and sit-ins, emphasizing that solutions to public issues can be found through dialogue and negotiation rather than agitation.
He pointed out that the public ultimately bears the brunt of the losses resulting from protests; therefore, it is essential to engage within the system to resolve issues and prioritize public welfare.
The Federal Minister stated that the government is ready for dialogue and cooperation regarding the legitimate demands and issues of the people of Azad Kashmir, adding that the path of negotiation should be adopted to resolve public grievances.
