MINGORA: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions, Amir Muqam, said on Sunday that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s protest and demonstrated their support for peace, development and the state. Addressing a gathering organised by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), he thanked the people for attending in large numbers, saying their participation reflected their desire for peace and stability in the province.
The gathering was part of PML-N's efforts to highlight its political standing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reinforce its message of peace, stability and development. He described the occasion as a "day of deliverance" for the people of Swat.
Criticising PTI's performance in the province, he alleged that its government had reduced Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ruins and failed to address the region's security and development challenges. He accused the party of leaving the province vulnerable to militant groups and vowed that it would be held accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement.
Muqam also dismissed PTI's political prospects, claiming that the party had been politically buried on 11 October. The minister praised the sacrifices of law-enforcement personnel, saying security officials continued to defend the country with commitment and dedication.
He also commended the Pakistan Army for its role in responding to natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, as well as security challenges. Referring to the military leadership, Muqam praised Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, claiming that Pakistan's armed forces had inflicted a decisive defeat on India under his leadership.
The PML-N leader called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir to extend support to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ensure that their concerns were addressed. He urged the federal government to facilitate flour supplies to the province, calling on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the military leadership to help ease the difficulties faced by residents.
Highlighting the region's economic concerns, Muqam said taxes should not be imposed in Swat and other parts of Malakand Division. Taxation remains a particularly sensitive issue in the region, where residents and business communities have repeatedly expressed concerns about the impact of additional financial burdens on local livelihoods and economic activity.