ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has said that the mineral resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) belong to the people and will continue to remain their property.
Commenting on the political situation, Chaudhry said the opposition was divided over the issue of Mahmood Achakzai, claiming that most opposition members did not want him to become opposition leader.
Speaking to the media here on Sunday, the federal minister said the primary objective of imposing a state of emergency in the province was to eliminate terrorism and improve the law and order situation in the 12 affected districts.
He said intelligence-based operations were being accelerated to eradicate terrorism, adding that there would be no displacement of residents from the affected districts.
He also stressed that the provincial government’s administrative authority would be established in these areas.
Chaudhry termed linking the emergency issue with mineral resources condemnable, reiterating that KP’s minerals belonged to its people. He said transparent investigations would be conducted into the issuance of mineral licences and urged political stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to restore peace rather than undermine counterterrorism initiatives.
The minister also criticised the KP government, accusing it of corruption.
He called on Achakzai to appear before Parliament and clarify his position.
He also urged Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to clarify his stance on terrorism.
The federal minister maintained that the doors for negotiations between the government and the opposition remained open.
He said the government was ready for meaningful dialogue and would welcome serious efforts by the opposition to engage in negotiations.