Postponement of US, Pak, Afghan meeting to harm peace efforts: Sherpao

Pakistan People's Party Sherpao (PPP-S) chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Sunday regretted the deferment of tripartite meeting among Pakistan, US and Afghanistan, and urged the quarters concerned to review the decision in larger interest of the regional peace.
"It would adversely affect peace efforts in this region if the decision is not reviewed," he said while addressing a big public gathering in connection with the death anniversary of Hayat Muhammad Khan Sherpao in Swat district. The postponement of tripartite dialogue would
generally affect the overall ongoing peace efforts in this region and would strengthen hands of enemies of peace. Sherpao said tripartite meeting is very important to carry forward peace efforts, and continuity of dialogue would have far-reaching effects for establishment of durable and long lasting peace in this region.
He said that Pakthuns' lives have been badly affected by militancy and terrorism and the economy was on downward trend due to this menace. He said that concrete efforts are required to address these issues by taking all stakeholders on board.
Sherpao underlined the need for establishing national commission with representation of all stakeholders to review the ongoing security policy to address these issues amicably without compromising on national interests. He claimed that promises made with the people of Malakand Division during election days were not fulfilled. As a result, deprivation of masses is increasing day by day.
He said that people of Malakand Division are confronted with shortage of food and other problems, and underlined the need for giving top focus on strengthening of government's writ and reconstruction/rebuilding of infrastructure in Malakand and Swat. Aftab Sherpao also called for establishment of funds for terrorism and militancy victims' families and relief.
He said that enhancement of trade and commerce activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan would produce good results, and hurdles in this respect should be avoided. He said that Hayat Sherpao, by giving his life for the cause of countrymen, has become immortal in the hearts of his lovers and followers.
He said: "Hayat Sherpao had raised his voice for the rights of oppressed strata and Pukhtuns and devoted his entire life to get proper status for the depressed and downtrodden segments of the country." The people of Malakand Division by participating in such a large number in today's public meeting have proved that they loved and believed in the politics and ideas of Hayat Khan, he remarked.
He said that Hayat Sherpao still rules over the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people and Pakhtuns and his rich services in political and social fronts would be remembered for long. The services of Hayat Khan Sherpao were for all and irrespective of any social status and he was a true hero of the poor and helpless people. The doors of Governor House of erstwhile NWFP during his governorship were opened for all. Aftab Sherpao said: "It is obligatory for us to carry forward the mission of our great leader Hayat Khan Sherpao which depicts the politics of anti-violence and selfless services". He said the real power was in the hands of the people and only they can bring a revolutionary change by the power of their vote. Sherpao said that the mission of Hayat Sherpao would be completed.