ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initially been imposed for six months, but the situation could also be reviewed after two months.
Speaking to the media at Parliament House, Khawaja Asif said no signs of unrest, protests or public rallies against the federal government’s measures had emerged in the province on the third day of governor’s rule. He added that the response to the measures had largely remained confined to legal and constitutional debate.
Criticising the previous governance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the defence minister said that if corruption had continued for 13 years, the consequences would be evident in incidents such as collapsing roofs.
Asif further claimed that had governor’s rule not been imposed, the provincial authorities, if left to their own devices, would have caused roofs across the entire province to collapse.
He said the situation would be reviewed after six months, although an assessment could also take place after two months. He claimed that no significant public reaction against the federal government’s measures had emerged on the ground.
Regarding political dialogue, the defence minister said the doors to negotiations in politics were never completely closed and that there was always room for talks. He maintained that the government had given negotiations sufficient time, but eventually the available opportunity had run out.
Asif alleged that individuals negotiating with the government were taking instructions from the chief minister, who, in turn, was receiving directions from a person based in Afghanistan.
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He said an extensive debate had taken place in parliament and that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been given ample opportunity to present its position and express its grievances.
Commenting on alleged corruption in the province, the defence minister claimed that those involved in misappropriation had disappeared and that one person had been apprehended. However, he did not identify the individual or provide further details about the alleged arrest.
Asif reiterated that no signs of protests or unrest had emerged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of governor’s rule, adding that the federal government’s measures were currently being debated mainly on legal and constitutional grounds.
Referring to his longstanding relationship with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the defence minister said they had known each other for many years and belonged to an older political tradition. He added that political differences should not lead to the termination of personal relationships or the severing of longstanding ties.
Discussing Afghan refugees, Asif said Afghanistan had a very good government and that Afghan refugees could return there and live. In a sarcastic remark, he said they could benefit from the “rivers of milk and honey” in Afghanistan.