Uproar in K-P Assembly over minister 'abduction'

The alleged abduction of provincial minister Fazal Shakoor from the Peshawar Toll Plaza and attack on fellow minister Shakeel Khan dominated an emergency session of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday, prompting Speaker Babar Saleem Swati to demand a mandatory loyalty oath for federal officers deputed to the province. Law Minister Aftab Alam informed the House that Shakeel Khan had been targeted the previous day, after which an FIR was registered against him, while 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 cited the picking up of MPA Fatehul Mulk from Islamabad as further evidence of pressure tactics by forces seeking to convey that the PTI government and party have no status. The late-night session, chaired by Swati and attended by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and the Chief Secretary, heard government members charge that the arrests, cases and the tearing of PTI banners were designed to derail the planned 27 September long march. "On 27 September we will come out for real freedom in any case," Alam declared, insisting the march would remain completely peaceful. He recalled that the provincial government, upon assuming office, had decided against revenge, provided extra funds to the police and raised the martyrs' package from Rs4 million to Rs11 million. Despite past shortcomings, the government had shown restraint; continued criminal negligence by police would, however, invite the strictest action. Provincial ministers Riaz Khan described the incidents against ministers and MPAs as deeply regrettable, saying the open violation of law left little room for dialogue. Speaker Swati separately pressed for a formal loyalty oath. When the Advocate General confirmed that the Police Act 2017 contains no such requirement for officers posted on deputation, Swati insisted the provision be added. He accused the current Inspector General of having already violated the law on two occasions. Interior Minister Tariq Saeed informed the House that he had directed the IGP to inquire into the Shakeel Khan case and to ensure registration of an FIR in the Fazal Shakoor abduction. On the Speaker's instruction, a committee under the minister's supervision is to oversee a transparent investigation. Swati observed that despite the presence of police and district administration, elected members continued to face abduction attempts by armed groups. "These incidents create the impression that martial law is in force in the province," he remarked, adding that guns breed hatred while the people of K-P prefer dialogue. He reminded the House that legislation protecting members' privileges had already been passed and circulated to the Chief Secretary, IGP, judges and deputy commissioners, and ordered strict implementation of the rules under the Constitution.