QWP rejects govt’s claims on economic growth, concerns over rising inflation

PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao on Monday rejected the federal government’s claims on economic development and said that ground realities belied such assertions.

Addressing a gathering in Mingora, Swat, he said that the people were unable to feed their children due to rising inflation and dwindling purchasing power.

Criticizing the government for failing to provide any relief to the people in the face of skyrocketing inflation, he said that the have-nots were running from pillar to post to arrange a two-time meal for their children.

On the occasion, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Fazal Rehman Nono announced joining the QWP along with his family members and supporters.

Sikandar Sherpao was also critical of the provincial government and said that it was focused on achieving its political ends instead of serving the poor and protecting the interests of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The QWP leader said that the provincial government’s resources were being spent on political gatherings and activities. He said the PTI government was least bothered to work for the wellbeing of the poor and safeguard the interests of the province.

The federal government, he added, had also ignored the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which had lagged far behind in terms of development.

Sikandar Sherpao said that the federal government was also overlooking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that Punjab was getting preferential treatment in the award of funds and projects. “This discriminatory attitude will deepen the sense of deprivation among the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, adding that Pakistan was a federation and such an approach will weaken it.

Expressing concern over the worsening law and order, the QWP leader said that the security situation deteriorated sharply in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025. He said that the writ of the government was shrinking day by day while targeted killings and lawlessness had become the norm particularly in the southern districts of the province.

He also criticized the ban on the transportation of the wheat flour from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said that such steps would fan provincialism.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026