PESHAWAR: Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Housing Dr Amjad Ali has disclosed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government was kept in the dark about the visit of foreign diplomats to Swat, where their convoy came under attack on Sunday that claimed the life of a policeman and left four other injured.
Speaking in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, presided over by Deputy Speaker Surya Bibi, Dr Amjad Ali expressed his frustration over the lack of communication regarding the diplomats’ visit saying a tragic incident occurred yesterday on Malam Jabba Road, where a policeman was martyred and others injured.
“Diplomats from 12 countries were present in Swat, but the provincial government was not informed, with only the District Police Officer and deputy commissioner aware of being their presence. Such a lapse is not unusual,” he said.
Dr Amjad raised concerns about institutional interference in politics, stating that the provincial government had no knowledge of the diplomats’ visit and questioned whether a no-objection certificate had been obtained from the provincial government prior to their arrival.
“The people of Swat are asking how the attackers knew the diplomats were coming,” he said, adding that such incidents appear to be aimed at discouraging tourists from visiting the region.
Referencing former minister Murad Saeed, he said his warnings had proven true. He alleged that Saeed’s father and brother were being threatened and criticized the use of women for political gains, specifically mentioning Reham Khan and Ayesha Gulalai being used against Imran Khan.
Government member Ali Hadi raised concerns about the deteriorating situation in Kurram. He noted that fighting between rival groups has escalated, affecting the entire region.
“Despite government efforts through Jirgas, no resolution has been reached,” Hadi said lamenting that since the February 8 elections, no development work has been done in his constituency. “Aside from territorial disputes, the biggest issue is unemployment. How long will we continue to carry the dead?” he questioned.