CHARSADDA
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, on Friday criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for what he described as a legacy of corruption, mismanagement, and failed promises during its 12-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Speaking at a public gathering in Wardabagh, Charsadda, Ikhtiar Wali claimed that widespread corruption in development projects, poor service delivery in public health and education sectors, and overall weak governance had severely impacted the lives of the people in KP.
He claimed that PTI had lost public support in the province due to its negative political rhetoric, baseless accusations, and unfulfilled commitments. “The party that deceived the masses in the name of change is no longer in a position to lead any serious political movement against the government,” he remarked.
Ikhtiar Wali alleged that PTI’s tenure was marked by political vendettas, a breakdown in institutional governance, and economic mismanagement, pushing the country toward the brink of default. In contrast, he credited Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif with stabilizing the economy and averting a financial crisis through the tireless efforts of his economic team.
Highlighting the federal government’s achievements, Ikhtiar Wali expressed optimism that the country’s financial indicators would continue to improve over the next two years, and assured that the upcoming budget would provide maximum relief to the people.
Addressing youth disillusionment, he criticized PTI for failing to deliver on key promises, such as construction of five million houses and 10 million jobs. He urged the people of KP to make their elected PTI representatives accountable about these unmet pledges.
The PM aide also emphasized the importance of meaningful political dialogue, lamenting that PTI had consistently evaded efforts at reconciliation and engagement in the past. “Dialogue is the only democratic path forward for resolution of political issues,” he said, expressing hope that PTI would learn from its failed long marches and sit-ins.
Touching on national defense, he praised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for conducting the nuclear tests on May 28, 1998, despite international pressure, adding that it made Pakistan’s defense impregnable. He also credited the PML-N government of Nawaz Sharif with eradicating terrorism, ending power outages, and establishing a modern network of motorways.
Ikhtiar Wali condemned recent India’s aggression. He lauded Operation Iron Wall and Pakistan Air Force for its decisive response against Indian unprovoked attacks. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness and said the nation stood united with its armed forces for defense of the country.
On Kashmir, he stressed that a resolution in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions was essential for lasting peace in South Asia.
He also underscored the PML-N government’s commitment to youth empowerment, mentioning programs such as laptops, scholarships, interest-free loans, and vocational training launched under its leadership.
He concluded by stating that KP had lagged behind under PTI’s rule while other provinces advanced economically. The event concluded with party workers chanting slogans in support of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif, and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
