PESHAWAR: Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from Swat district on Monday condemned Sunday’s attack on a convoy of foreign diplomats in Malam Jabba area and declared it an embarrassment for the federal government and security establishment.

They announced a peace protest at the Nishat Chowk of Swat’s district headquarters Mingora next Friday.

During a session chaired by Deputy Speaker of the assembly Suriya Bibi, adviser to the chief minister on housing Dr Amjad Ali wondered how militants got wind of the visit of foreign diplomats to Malam Jabba when the local police, media, over 2.4 million residents, and even the provincial government were unaware.

He also complained about the provincial government being not informed about the visit in advance, and insisted that everyone learned about the attack only after the international media reported it.

Announce peace protest in Mingora next Friday

Dr Ali claimed that former PTI MNA Murad Saeed had pointed out threats to peace in Swat but had to go into hiding due to threats to his life from the establishment, while his family members were subjected to severe torture.

Livestock minister Fazal Hakim told the house that Swat suffered a lot from violence between 2004 and 2012 but the situation returned to normal prompting massive investment.

He said that Swat was destroyed by suicide attacks and bomb blasts but later recovered.

“I warn all those concerned that if any attempt is made to destroy our home, we {Swat residents] will offer strong resistance,” he warned.

Mr Hakim said that Swat residents would hold a protest demonstration for peace at Nishat Chowk of Swat’s Mingora next Friday.

He said that after May 9 protests against the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, he decided to surrender but fled after finding dozens of police personnel surround his house.

MPA Kabir Khan alleged that the security establishment didn’t tolerate popular leaders.

He demanded “space” for the PTI to freely function to ensure political stability in the country and urged all political stakeholders to sit down to decide about how to run the country.

“We all will have to sit together for the supremacy of the Constitution and the law,” he said.

The lawmaker urged the powers-that-be to learn from the fall of Dhaka for the sake of the country’s protection.

Agriculture minister Sajjad Khan alleged that the PML-N-led federal government, which came into being through rigged elections, wanted to destroy the PTI and all others seeking their rights.

He said that the entire system had been “hijacked” with politicians supposed to rescue it.

“We’re not against any institution but a few of its members for overstepping their mandate,” he said, adding that violators of the law would be resisted.

MPA Abdul Ghani said the constitutional amendment proposed by the federal government was meant to limit the Supreme Court’s authority, so its passage by parliament would be a tragedy like the fall of Dhaka.

He said those wanting to keep their control over the system were trying hard to create a parallel Supreme Court.

ANP member Arbab Usman said the opposition stood with the treasury for the protection of the Constitution.

He called for effective peace in the province and said no compromise on it was acceptable to people.

The opposition lawmaker demanded the formation of a committee with representation of the major national institution to address the law and order issue.

MPA Ali Hadi demanded peace in Kurram tribal district and sought the house’s support for such efforts.

He wondered who was fueling the fight between two groups in the district.

The member urged all his colleagues to contribute to restoring peace in the region.

He also complained about the declining education system and demanded corrective measures.

MPA of the opposition PML-N Sobia Shahid insisted that her party’s government in Punjab didn’t create hurdles to the PTI’s Sept 19 public meeting in Lahore in line with the court’s orders.

She praised the armed forces for protecting the country’s borders, carrying out relief and rescue operations during and after natural disasters, and helping with economic revival, and said if anyone had issues with them, the government should stop calling them for help in need.

The lawmaker accused the PTI of coming to and remaining in power for four years with the help of the establishment.

The deputy speaker said the Pakistan Army was a national asset but some of its members were involved in political activities.

She said the army should restrict itself to the non-political constitutional role.

Member of the opposition PPP Ehsanullah said the people had elected him and his colleagues to discuss their issues for resolution.

He said he agreed with the contention that all national institutions should work within their constitutional limits.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024