PESHAWAR (Shahid Jan): Member of the provincial assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Asif Mehsud, has threatened to resign if the recruitment issue in his constituency is not prioritised.
During a session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday, MPA Mehsud expressed his frustration over alleged bureaucratic irregularities and the incompetence of various departments in Waziristan.
He presented a notice of attention regarding the health department and made it clear that he would resign from his assembly membership if the problems in his constituency were not addressed.
In his address, Mehsud revealed that regular tests for various positions in Waziristan were conducted through the Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (ETEA), intended to provide local youth with job opportunities based on merit. However, he stated that it has come to his attention that there are attempts to recruit candidates from other districts for these posts, which he believes undermines the rights of the local population.
He strongly criticised the performance of the health department and expressed disappointment in his own government’s departments. Standing in the assembly, he stated that if he cannot resolve his constituents’ issues, he has no right to be a member of the assembly.
Directing his comments towards the Provincial Health Minister, Mehsud noted that the minister has never visited the merged districts, leaving him unaware of the realities on the ground.
Describing the dire situation in his constituency, Mehsud said, “We are here in the Assembly, yet we cannot even provide jobs for our people. Schools and hospitals are closed in Waziristan, and there is no alternative arrangement available.”
Addressing the Speaker, he emotionally pleaded for immediate action, saying, “Speaker, you should use your honourable position to find a solution to this serious problem because the people of my constituency have voted for me, and they will hold me accountable. What face will I show them?”
In response, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Babar Saleem Swati acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and expressed his deep concern regarding the bureaucracy and the relevant department. He questioned the officials about how they had the authority to recruit for positions in one district while disregarding the needs of another. The Speaker also raised concerns about the ability of individuals from other districts to serve effectively in a remote area like Waziristan, emphasising the need for accountability.
