(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Syed Sardar Muhammad Khondei Bureau Chief Chaman)
Leaders of the Awami National Party (ANP) have expressed grave concern over the continuously deteriorating law and order situation in Chaman city, restrictions on freedom of expression and political activity, illegal detention of political workers, unjustified and unannounced prolonged electricity load-shedding by WAPDA, alleged illegal and favoritism-based recruitments in the Levies Force and other departments through sale and purchase of posts, restrictions imposed on trade and movement along the Durand Line, and extortion by armed groups on the Quetta–Chaman highway.
They termed all these issues as a direct consequence of the incompetence and failure of the government and administration, warning that if the rulers do not change their course, the party will not refrain from taking direct action.
These views were expressed while addressing participants of a protest rally and public meeting organized by ANP in Chaman by Central Additional Secretary General Obaidullah Abid, ANP Chaman District President Abdul Khaliq Haqmal, Trader Lughari Ittehad leader Ghausullah Khan Achakzai, District General Secretary Samiullah Khan Achakzai, Central Additional Salar Razzaq Babo, District Senior Vice President Chairman Gul Zaman Achakzai, Tehsil Presidents Gul Jano, Ismat Warkhata, Wazir Khan Achakzai, Master Sharafuddin, and others.
Earlier, a protest rally was taken out which passed through various roads of Chaman city and culminated in a protest gathering in front of Bacha Khan Markaz, Chaman. A large number of citizens participated, chanting slogans against lawlessness, bad governance, economic suffocation, WAPDA’s excessive load-shedding, and illegal recruitments.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers stated that Chaman is currently facing a severe administrative, economic, and law and order crisis. Incidents of theft, robbery, highway crime, and other criminal activities are increasing day by day, creating deep anxiety among citizens, while the concerned institutions appear utterly incapable of restoring peace.
They emphasized that protection of life and property of the people is the fundamental responsibility of the government and rulers, and failure in this regard strips them of any moral justification to govern.
The speakers strongly criticized WAPDA’s performance, stating that unannounced and prolonged load-shedding has paralyzed public life. Due to the non-availability of electricity, business activities have come to a standstill, while students’ education and all spheres of life are being severely affected.
Serious reservations were also expressed regarding matters related to the Levies Force. It was alleged that illegal and favoritism-based recruitments are being carried out in the Levies Force and other departments through monetary transactions, which is a blatant violation of transparency and merit. The speakers demanded immediate investigations into these recruitments and strict action against those responsible.
Terming the decision to merge the Levies Force into the police as anti-people, the speakers said that the Levies Force is a local, effective, and public-friendly institution which has always played a vital role in maintaining peace and order. Therefore, instead of abolishing it or merging it into the police, it should be further strengthened.
In conclusion, the speakers warned the government and concerned authorities that if their legitimate demands are not accepted immediately, the Awami National Party will be compelled to further expand the scope of its protest movement.
