Terrorism remarks: KP Assembly censures Punjab CM

PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution condemning recent remarks by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding terrorism and the province, saying such statements undermined the sacrifices of KP’s people, police and security forces.
The resolution, moved by Law Minister Aftab Alam, described the remarks as contrary to facts and politically motivated, and said they could fuel mistrust among the provinces.
The session was presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, who suspended the day’s agenda to allow members to debate the issue. Treasury and opposition members took part in the discussion, which at times turned heated.
According to the resolution, terrorism was a national challenge and should not be linked to any particular province or political party. It said using the issue for political point-scoring and blaming one province for militancy was against the national interest.
The resolution further stated that attempts to set one province against another were contrary to the principles of inter-provincial harmony, national unity and the federal structure.
It recommended that the federal government consider action against the Punjab chief minister under Article 6 of the Constitution in the wake of her remarks.
Speaking during the debate, Information Minister Shafi Jan criticised Ms Nawaz’s statement, alleging that it had undermined the national narrative on terrorism. He said the remarks could be cited by India against Pakistan and called for an apology if they had been made inadvertently.
Mr Jan also levelled allegations against the PML-N leadership over alleged links with banned organisations. The allegations were made during his speech and were not substantiated in the proceedings.
Mr Alam said KP had borne the brunt of militancy and questioned the rationale behind blaming the province despite the sacrifices made by its people, police and security forces. He also called for action against Ms Nawaz under Article 6.
Higher Education and Local Government Minister Meena Khan Afridi said KP had made significant contributions to the country while suffering substantial human and economic losses during the fight against terrorism.
The proceedings witnessed heated exchanges and sloganeering by members. Opposition women lawmakers also protested from their seats during Dr Amjad’s speech.