Falak Sher
MARDAN
Chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP), Khushal Khan Kakar, has said that the government has closed trade routes under the pretext of curbing smuggling, which he termed as illegal.
He accused the government of committing economic genocide against the people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed these views while addressing a press conference at the Mardan Press Club. Party Co-Chairman Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, former Senator Raza Muhammad Raza, provincial president Advocate Ashraf Hoti, and other leaders were also present on the occasion..Khushal Khan Kakar said that trade routes to Afghanistan are deliberately closed during the fruit and vegetable season, causing severe losses to local traders and farmers.
He added that the economic killing of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan is ongoing, while an undeclared martial law has been imposed in the country. He alleged that the rulers have sold out the interests of the people for their personal gains, saying, “The Constitution of 1973 is no longer providing us protection.” Kakar remarked that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing immense challenges and that terrorism can only be eliminated through policy reforms.
He argued that the 1973 Constitution is not being implemented in the country, resulting in the deprivation of provincial rights. He argued that it is essential to implement the Pakistan Resolution of 1940 and act upon the ideals of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
He lamented that successive governments have deviated from that vision, leading to growing unrest and deprivation among smaller provinces.
He stated that only by following their vision can the country be saved from the current political and economic crises, Kakar emphasized that the founders of Pakistan had envisioned a democratic, just, and inclusive state where all nations and provinces would have equal rights and opportunities.
“If Pakistan wants to become an Asian Tiger, powers must be devolved to the federating units,” he asserted. He stressed that peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential for the region.
He urged the Defense Minister to stop issuing threats against Afghanistan and review his statements, adding that Afghanistan currently lacks a democratic system. Khushal Khan Kakar further said that vindictive actions are being taken against the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and advised PTI to focus on governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He clarified that his party opposes military operations, stating that previous military actions in the province have produced negative results. He also criticized the government for failing to implement the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award since 2010 and claimed that election results are often manipulated.
“The 2024 general elections tarnished the country’s image and sent a message to the nation that their votes hold no value,” he said. Kakar further stated that the 26th constitutional amendment introduced after the 2024 elections poses serious threats to the country. He urged the government to review its policies toward Afghanistan, describing the current situation there as alarming. Concluding his address, he emphasized that an independent foreign policy is the need of the hour.
He emphasized the need to establish a joint national army that includes equal representation from all ethnic groups and provinces. He said that such an institution would strengthen national unity, ensure justice, and eliminate feelings of deprivation among smaller nations.
