Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, while addressing an emergency press conference in Peshawar, has strongly criticized the policies of the Punjab government and the federation over the suspension of CNG and the ban on the transportation of flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said that the Punjab government is committing utter injustice against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and national unity is being severely damaged by stopping the supply of flour. Highlighting the constitutional aspects, the Chief Minister clarified that under Article 151 of the Constitution, no restriction can be imposed on the transportation of food items within the country, but despite this, the supply of flour to the province is being stopped, as a result of which every poor citizen of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently forced to buy the most expensive flour in Pakistan.
He expressed his fear that he is clearly seeing that the Centre is trying to put the entire burden of its failed policies on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, due to which the people of the province are being pushed into a dead end. Talking about the gas crisis, Sohail Afridi presented figures and said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is producing 508 MMCFD of gas daily, while the total requirement of the entire province is only 150 MMCFD.
He regretted that despite producing such a large amount of gas, it is not being supplied to our own CNG stations, which is a complete injustice to the people of the province. The Chief Minister reminded the federation, referring to the Constitution, that under Article 158, a province that produces gas is legally required to first meet its own needs.
He warned in a stern tone that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be further cornered, because if they are further harassed or their rights are usurped, he fears that the people of the province will be forced to take any tough decision.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and Dr Ibadullah, while addressing a press conference in Peshawar, have openly spoken about the rights and public issues of the province. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is producing more oil, gas, and minerals than its needs, but despite this, the people of the province are being deprived of their legitimate rights.
Referring to the gas crisis and the closure of CNG stations, they made it clear that CNG is not used by any elite, but it is the need of ordinary citizens, poor people, and taxi drivers whose livelihood is linked to it. The Governor criticized the attitude of the federal and Punjab governments and said that Punjab is definitely our elder brother, but perhaps it is not playing the positive role of an elder brother.
Faisal Karim Kundi warned that if the province’s deprivations continue and the people here are abused, the people will be forced to take to the streets and protest for their rights. He insisted that this province belongs to all of us and we should all work together for its development and prosperity.
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