Adviser to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Information Minister Advocate Dr Saif has criticized the federal government for its alleged indifference to the escalating situation in Kurram, terming the government’s response as mere “spectacle” since far.
In a statement, Barrister Saif claimed that the federal government was stoking sectarianism and parochialism, saying it had little interest in addressing the region’s problems.
“Kurram is part of Pakistan, not Iran or Afghanistan,” Saif said, urging the Home Minister to remember that he is responsible for the internal affairs of the country, not just Islamabad.
Saif also criticized the federal government’s handling of the region, claiming that Federal Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi had only been tasked with arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, instead of focusing on the serious situation in Kurram.
“Kurram is a border area and Defense Minister Khawaja Asif also has responsibilities,” he added, asking Asif to focus on his duties instead of making provocative statements.
The advisor also attacked the Prime Minister’s office, stating that if the real Prime Minister, whom he called “Form 45”, was in charge, arrangements would have already been made to send an air ambulance to Kurram. He contrasted this with what he described as the “fake” Prime Minister, referring to ‘Form 47’, who was concerned with false claims.
Saif further criticized the Punjab government, claiming that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had been using his own helicopter for emergency airlift operations in Kurram, while Maryam Nawaz’s alleged promises of an air ambulance were yet to materialise.
Critical supplies arrive in devastated Kurram
As critical supplies arrive in Kurram to provide much-needed relief to people in the war-torn region, Dr Saif, information advisor to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister, has said it is essential for both sides Hand over your heavy weapons and dismantle the bunkers.
Saif met representatives of the Greater Kurram Jirga to discuss the current challenges facing the district, the progress of the meeting and the peace process in general.
During the meeting, Dr Saif underlined the critical need to remove heavy weaponry in Kurram to pave the way for lasting peace.
He called for the elimination of anti-aircraft weapons, missiles, RPGs and other heavy artillery, and emphasized that such measures are essential to ensure stability.
The advisor also stressed that the dismantling of bunkers is a prerequisite for achieving a peaceful environment. He further noted that the region’s main roads cannot be opened to public traffic until the return of heavy weapons and the destruction of bunkers is addressed.
Following the instructions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the third consignment of essential medicines was delivered to Kurram by helicopter on Tuesday to address the shortage of emergency medicines.
According to details, a supply of medicines sufficient for two months was transported to Kurram in the provincial government’s MI-17 helicopter. The medicines, valued at Rs 12.4 million, include emergency medicines and vaccines.
Due to the closure of land routes caused by tensions, the CM provided his helicopter to ensure supply of essential medicines to the area. So far, emergency medicines worth Rs 200 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 war-torn district.
edhi arrives
Also reaching the conflict zone with critical supplies was Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Abdul Sattar Edhi after three days of efforts. His visit was made possible with the approval of Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Home Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Earlier this month, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had criticized the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government for its handling of the worsening law and order situation in the province.
He asserted that KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should have focused on bringing all stakeholders together to address the province’s security challenges.
He described as “shameful” the provincial government’s refusal to participate in an All-Party Conference aimed at restoring peace in KP and Kurram.
“A party that has ruled 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 the time and resources to organize attacks on Islamabad after calls from prisoners in Adiala jail.
“If Ali Amin Gandapur is not concerned about the future of the people of the province, he should resign,” he added.
Bokhari also condemned political forces for attacking Pakistani security forces who continue to sacrifice their lives for the nation.
