Adviser to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister for Information, Barrister Dr Saif, has slammed the federal government for its alleged indifference to the escalating situation in Kurram, terming the government’s response as a simple “show” from afar.
In a statement, lawyer Saif alleged that the federal government was fueling sectarianism and provincialism, saying it had little interest in solving the region’s problems.
“Kurram is part of Pakistan, not Iran or Afghanistan,” Saif said, urging the interior minister to remember that he is responsible for the country’s internal affairs, not just Islamabad .
Saif also criticized the federal government’s handling of the region, saying that Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had been tasked only with arresting Pakistani Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, rather than focus on the serious situation in Kurram.
“Kurram is a border area and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also has responsibilities,” he added, calling on Asif to concentrate on his duties rather than making provocative statements.
The adviser also attacked the Prime Minister’s office, saying that if the real Prime Minister, whom he called “Form 45”, was in charge, arrangements for an air ambulance would have already been made for Kurram. He compared this to what he described as the “fake” Prime Minister, referring to “Form 47”, who was concerned about false declarations.
Saif further criticized the Punjab government, saying that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur used his own helicopter for emergency airlift operations in Kurram, while Maryam Nawaz’s alleged promises of an air ambulance did not had not yet materialized.
Essential supplies reach ravaged Kurram
As critical supplies arrive in Kurram to provide much-needed relief to the people of the war-ravaged region, Information Advisor to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Dr Saif said he is essential that both sides surrender their heavy weapons and dismantle the bunkers.
Saif met with representatives of the Kurram Grand Jirga to discuss the current challenges facing the district, developments in the gathering and the peace process as a whole.
During the meeting, Dr Saif highlighted the crucial need to remove heavy weapons in Kurram to pave the way for lasting peace.
He called for the elimination of anti-aircraft weapons, missiles, RPGs and other heavy artillery, stressing that such measures are essential to guarantee stability.
The advisor also stressed that the dismantling of bunkers is a prerequisite for achieving a peaceful environment. He further stressed that the main roads in the region could not be opened to public traffic until the return of heavy weapons and the destruction of bunkers are resolved.
On the instructions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the third batch of essential medicines was delivered to Kurram by helicopter on Tuesday to address the shortage of emergency medicines.
According to details, a stock of medicines sufficient for two months was transported to Kurram using the provincial government’s MI-17 helicopter. The medicines, valued at Rs12.4 million, include emergency medicines and vaccines.
Due to the closure of land routes caused by the tensions, the CM made his helicopter available to ensure the supply of essential medicines to the area. So far, emergency medicines worth Rs200 million have been delivered to Kurram by helicopter.
The CM’s health advisor and the department’s provincial secretary will oversee the supply of medicines to the fighting-ravaged region.
Edhi arrives
Chairman of the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, Faisal Abdul Sattar Edhi, also arrived in the conflict zone with essential supplies, after three days of efforts. His visit was made possible after the approval of Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Earlier this month, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had criticized the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for its handling of the deteriorating law and order situation in the province.
She said KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should have focused on uniting all stakeholders to tackle the security challenges of the province.
She termed the provincial government’s refusal to participate in an all-party conference aimed at restoring peace to KP and Kurram as “shameful”.
“A party that has been ruling Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 12 years clearly shows no interest in peace,” Bokhari said.
Referring to Gandapur’s participation in the PTI protest last month, Bokhari said he had time and resources to organize attacks on Islamabad after appeals from prisoners in Adiala jail.
“If Ali Amin Gandapur is not concerned about the future of the people of the province, he should resign,” she added.
Bokhari also condemned the political forces for attacking Pakistani security forces, who continue to sacrifice their lives for the nation.