Addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, alongside other party leaders, he criticised the provincial government led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and urged Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to focus on the deteriorating law and order situation instead of organising a long march for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.

‎Mr Muqam alleged that billions of rupees had been collected from contractors and other sources in the name of funding the proposed march, but no record of the money had been made public. He called for accountability over the alleged collection and use of funds.

‎He said the province was facing serious security challenges, with residents, police personnel and security forces suffering from terrorism. He accused the provincial government of prioritising the release of the PTI founder over the security and welfare of the people.

‎The PML-N leader also criticised the PTI government’s approach towards militancy and its calls for negotiations with Afghanistan and the Taliban. He alleged that the provincial government’s position risked undermining the state’s authority. These allegations could not be independently verified.

‎Mr Muqam said the federal government would not negotiate the release of Imran Khan, arguing that the matter would be decided by the courts.

‎Commenting on the proposed long march, he questioned the PTI’s preparations and said the protest, initially scheduled for Sept 27, had been postponed until Oct 4. He claimed that the party had failed to mobilise a sufficient number of participants for the original date.

‎The PTI announced on Sept 26 that the march would now leave Peshawar for Islamabad on Oct 4 following consultations within its political committee. The party has said the protest is aimed at securing Imran Khan’s release. 

‎Mr Muqam further criticised frequent changes in the provincial leadership, saying the PTI had failed to establish stable and effective governance. He also questioned the provincial government’s proposed police legislation, alleging that it could be used to influence postings and assignments of police officers, including station house officers and deputy superintendents of police.

‎He accused the provincial government of spending public resources and tax revenue on political rallies instead of improving public services, healthcare, education and other essential facilities.

‎Referring to previous PTI protests, he claimed that party leaders had left workers behind during demonstrations in Islamabad and said PML-N leaders had helped secure bail for some arrested participants.

‎Mr Muqam also alleged that vehicles carrying narcotics had been transported to Punjab under the cover of long marches. He did not provide evidence for the allegation during the press conference.

‎He said Governor Faisal Karim Kundi would lead any move concerning the imposition of governor’s rule in the province, while reiterating that consultations on the constitutional option were continuing.

‎The federal minister maintained that the provincial government should prioritise public safety, counterterrorism efforts and service delivery amid the province’s worsening security situation.

Muhammad Irshad