ANP terms PM visit to Bajaur a complete failure

KHAR: The local leaders of the Awami National Party (ANP) on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had disappointed the people of Bajaur during his recent visit as he did not announce any mega project for the district.

Speaking at a press conference here, ANP district president Gul Afzal Khan, central committee member and former candidate for National Assembly Sheikh Jehanzada, general secretary Nisar Baz, joint secretary Shah Naseer Mastkhel and others said that people of Bajaur had pinned high hopes on the visit of prime minister but he left them high and dry by not announcing any uplift package for this backward tribal district.

“The people expected the premier would announce the establishment of an university and a medical college for Bajaur but he did nothing and whisked away under an unprecedented security protocol,” Gul Afzal said, adding that the visit was a complete failure.

He said that over 6,000 candidates after doing matriculation could not succeed to get admission in intermediate class due to limited seats in the present colleges and non-availability of colleges.

He also blasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government for mismanagement and bad governance in the province, saying that there was only one teacher in Khwar Baba Middle School, who teaches to hundreds of students.

The ANP leaders also criticised the incumbent government for recruiting outsiders on the posts fell vacant due to martyrdom of Levies and Khassadar personnel during the war on terrorism.

They said the government should have recruited the children and siblings of the martyred personnel on these posts to compensate them for their sacrifices.

“Imran Khan always claimed that he would not avail protocol and security but after becoming prime minister he is no more accessible for the people,” Sheikh Jehanzada said.

He also asked the government to open Nawa Pass, Ghakhi Pass and Laitai Pass points on Pak-Afghan border to boost trade between the two countries and bring lasting peace to the area.