SWABI: Local leaders of different political parties here on Tuesday vowed to work collectively for maintaining peace in the Swabi district, and also asked the police to curb the increasing robberies and take steps for protection to people’s lives and properties.

Leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazal, Jamaat-i-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party, Pakhtun Tahafuz Movement and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz participated in a multiparty meeting held here.

A joint statement issued after the meeting said some leaders favoured inviting Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders to the meeting, but JUI-F leaders opposed the idea.

Over the past few weeks, many robberies have taken place across the district, including the three incidents, where robbers stormed into houses wearing police uniform. However, the police have managed to trace onlyl the Chota Lahor petrol pump robbery and arrested the culprits.

The participants noted that if the prevailing situation was allowed to continue, the security environment would further worsen. They said a peace march would be held at Karnal Sher Khan Chowk on Jan 19.

They said main objective of the meeting was coordinating efforts of political parties, people, police and the district administration to ensure peace and security in the district.

They said political leaders would extend every help to the district administration and the police to ensure protection to people’s lives and properties, declaring peace was prerequisite for progress and property.

On the occasion, Salim Khan Advocate, former provincial general secretary of ANP, said PTI’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was replete with empty pledges.

QWP district chairman Masood Jabar insisted that PTI would be sent packing in the next elections.

PPP district president Ali Khan said Swabi people were ready to support the party, which worked for their welfare.

Ghulam Haqqani, Razaar tehsil council chairman, said the main demand of the people was sustainable peace in the district, the province and the country.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2023