Minus-PTI APC censures Centre, KP over ‘dangerous’ law and order

Staff Report PESHAWAR: The All Parties Conference (APC) has raised alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), describing it as “dangerous.” In a declaration, which was issued after an hours-long meeting, the APC noted a steep rise in violence compared to last year, with over 70 security personnel were martyred in the past month alone. The meeting was attended by 16 parties under the chairmanship KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor House, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which is in power in province, boycotted the huddle. The APC highlighted over 200 fatalities in Kurram unrest this year, blaming ineffective governance at both federal and provincial levels. It also called for immediate measures, including the release of funds allocated for tribal districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, which has been inactive for more than two years. Expressing concern over the alarming law and order situation, the declaration said that 3% of the amount allocated for the former Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA) has not been released in five years, demanding the due amount should be released. Leaders demanded that historical Pak-Afghan trade routes be reopened to revive regional commerce. Additionally, the APC urged the inclusion of forests and environmental concerns in the upcoming NFC award formula, adding it should be made according to census. The declaration also sought a performance audit of KP’s government, stressing transparency in resource allocation and governance. With lawlessness . and financial mismanagement mounting, the APC’s recommendations underscore a pressing need for coordinated efforts. It also said that the recommendations of the committee headed by former PM’s adviser Sartaj Aziz should be implemented in letter and spirit. Moreover, the declaration said mines and minerals are the property of the people of the provinces and their details should be made public. The declaration also demanded that the federation should provide gas to the province on preferential basis as per Article 158 of the Constitution and net hydel profit (NHP) and federal excise duty on oil should be paid to the province as per Article 161. The multi-party huddle also sought the meeting of Council of Common Interests (CCI) regularly as per the constitutional period. They also said that the provincial government should form Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) and award it. “Effective local government system and representatives should be provided with funds without discrimination,” said the declaration, adding that the 2% IDC should be withdrawn. Moreover, it said that the province’s share in water resources should be given as per 1991 Water Apportionment Accord (WAA).