PTI govt: Tariq vows transparent probe into KP mineral licences

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry pledged on Sunday a transparent investigation into thousands of mineral licences issued during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, saying the minerals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belong to its people and will continue to do so.

Speaking to journalists, he condemned ‘attempts by certain politicians’ to link the imposition of emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the province’s mineral resources. He said that the purpose of the emergency was to eliminate terrorism, not to take control of the province’s minerals.

Chaudhry said a comprehensive and coordinated development programme had been prepared for the province. In the first phase, terrorism would be completely eliminated from the 12 worst-affected districts, he said, adding that the locals would not be displaced.

He said that the intelligence-based operations (IBOs), which were already under way, would now be intensified, adding that the provincial government would establish its full writ in these districts, paving the way for a new era of development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The federal minister urged the political parties not to undermine efforts to curb terrorism. He accused the KP government of doing little beyond corruption and filling its own pockets.

Turning to the parliamentary politics, Chaudhry said that the PTI founder had appointed Mahmood Khan Achakzai as the opposition leader. He claimed that most opposition members did not want Achakzai to retain the position.

He added that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) had also termed Achakzai’s victory as a victory for ‘Form 47’. He said Achakzai should explain the matter in parliament.

The minister also called on JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to clarify his position on terrorism, saying he understood the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and should support the fight against terrorism.

Chaudhry said the government remained willing to hold talks with the opposition. He welcomed meaningful and constructive dialogue, adding that the government was ready to engage in discussions in Parliament, through a negotiating committee or at any other forum.