Toru Hits Back at Amir Muqam, Vows Legal Action
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food, Zahir Shah Toru, has strongly criticized Federal Minister Amir Muqam, of spreading false allegations against provincial government. Speaking at a press conference at the Civil Secretariat on Saturday, Zahir Shah Toru dismissed allegations leveled against the Chief Minister and himself as baseless, claiming that Amir Muqam was attempting to cover up his own wrongdoings by shifting blame.
The provincial minister went a step further, branding Amir Muqam the “uncrowned king of corruption” and alleging that he had amassed wealth through dishonest means. “Everyone knows who the real liar and thief is,” he remarked.
While voicing strong opposition to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), Zahir Shah Toru described it as a “black law” that suppresses free speech. However, he argued that if the law were to be enforced, it should first be applied to Amir Muqam for allegedly spreading false accusations. He announced that provincial government would initiate legal proceedings against the federal minister under PECA.
Providing an update on the province’s wheat supply, Zahir Shah Toru assured that the KP government had started releasing 77,000 metric tons of imported wheat to flour mills, with 40,000 metric tons already released. The remaining wheat, he said, would be distributed according to laboratory reports before March 30 to ensure quality.
He clarified that the wheat being distributed was part of the stock purchased by the previous caretaker government from the federal government in 2023.
Highlighting the province’s wheat shortage, Zahir Shah Toru noted that KP produces 1.4 million metric tons annually, while its total demand stands at 5 million metric tons. To meet this shortfall, he explained, the province imports 3.6 million metric tons from Punjab, other provinces, and international sources through the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
He further disclosed that the KP government has procured 208,000 metric tons of high-quality wheat from local farmers this year. He urged anyone with doubts about transparency in the procurement process to present evidence, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fair governance.
“If my party no longer requires my services, I am willing to step down,” he said. “I stand by my record and am ready for accountability at any time. If anyone has evidence against me, they should come forward.”
Responding to a query about the Provincial Accountability Committee, Zahir Shah Toru reaffirmed his stance on transparency and accountability, aligning his approach with Imran Khan’s vision.
