Attack on Shakeel Khan also condemned; Speaker demands loyalty oath for federal officers

PESHAWAR:

The alleged abduction of provincial minister Fazal Shakoor from the Peshawar Toll Plaza and an attack involving fellow minister Shakeel Khan dominated an emergency session of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers demanding investigations and stronger protection for elected representatives.

The session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and attended by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the chief secretary, saw government members raise concerns over arrests, criminal cases and alleged harassment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers.

Law Minister Aftab Alam told the House that Shakeel Khan had been targeted a day earlier and that an FIR had subsequently been registered. He also alleged that Fazal Shakoor was abducted in broad daylight.

“What message is being sent to the provincial executive, that we have no importance?” Alam asked.

He also referred to the alleged detention of MPA Fatehul Mulk in Islamabad, describing the incidents as part of what he termed pressure tactics against the PTI government and its members.

The late-night session also discussed allegations that arrests, cases and the removal of PTI banners were aimed at disrupting the party’s planned September 27 long march.

Alam said the march would go ahead and remain peaceful.

He said the provincial government had avoided a policy of political revenge after taking office, increased funding for the police and raised the compensation package for police martyrs from Rs4 million to Rs11 million.

However, he warned that continued negligence by police authorities could result in strict action.

Provincial minister Riaz Khan termed the incidents involving ministers and MPAs regrettable and said alleged violations of the law were creating difficulties for political dialogue.

Speaker seeks loyalty oath for deputed officers

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati called for a formal loyalty oath for federal officers posted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on deputation.

The Advocate General informed the House that the Police Act 2017 does not currently contain such a requirement. Swati nevertheless called for the relevant provision to be incorporated.

The speaker also alleged that the current inspector general of police had violated the law on two occasions.

Interior Minister Tariq Saeed told lawmakers that he had directed the IGP to investigate the incident involving Shakeel Khan and ensure registration of an FIR over the alleged abduction of Fazal Shakoor.

On the speaker’s instructions, a committee headed by the interior minister will oversee the investigation to ensure transparency.

Speaker raises security concerns

Swati expressed concern that elected representatives continued to face threats and alleged abduction attempts despite the presence of police and district administration officials.

“These incidents create the impression that martial law is in force in the province,” he said.

The speaker said violence and the use of firearms could fuel hostility, while maintaining that the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa preferred dialogue.

He also said legislation aimed at protecting the privileges of elected members had already been passed and circulated to the chief secretary, IGP, judges and deputy commissioners.

Swati directed the relevant authorities to ensure strict implementation of the rules and constitutional protections concerning the privileges and security of lawmakers.