PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah Khan raised significant concerns over governance, political practices, and the misuse of official resources by former ministers, while also cautiously supporting recent political changes in the province.
In his opening remarks, Ibadullah expressed hope that the ongoing political shift would benefit the province. “May Allah make this change favorable for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, emphasising the need for constructive politics.
He criticised the use of inflammatory rhetoric, stating, “When there is evidence, there is no need for verbal abuse.” Pointing out contradictions in political narratives, Dr Ibad pointed out that it was the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) who initially banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik and who previously referred to the Army Chief as the “father of the nation.”
Reflecting on the opposition’s role in the federal government, Dr Ibad urged for consistency and self-reflection. “If you are in the opposition at the federal level, you should also remember the past,” he noted.
Regarding national leadership, Ibad warned that dismantling Mian Nawaz Sharif’s development plans would be disastrous, stating, “If Nawaz Sharif’s plans are removed, the country will regress to the Stone Age.”
He clarified that the opposition did not attempt to block the formation of the provincial government but merely exercised its democratic right by approaching the court. “The legal team stated that without one Chief Minister, another cannot be formed,” he explained. Despite the ongoing legal battle, he congratulated the new Chief Minister during his speech.
Ibadullah also criticised former ministers for their use of state resources, questioning the legitimacy of their continued use of official vehicles and accommodations. “In what capacity are former ministers using official vehicles and accommodations?” he asked, adding that such practices are a “burden on the treasury.”
He called out the current administration’s performance, saying, “This is your performance for a week,” and described the last 13 years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a period of “bad governance.”
Dr Ibad concluded by expressing disappointment at being excluded from an important meeting with the Prime Minister, asserting that as an elected representative, he should have been present.
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