PESHAWAR, Oct 13: Extending support to the Musharraf government on the Afghan issue, the Awami National Party (ANP) has described Islamabad’s stand on the America’s war on terrorism as in line with the “prime interest of the country”.

“We have always been against violence as war and acts of terrorism can never solve political issues. The party (ANP) supports President Musharraf viz-a-viz the war on terrorism for it is in the prime national interest,” the ANP chief Asfandyar Wali said in reply to a question at a press conference held at the party’s central office — Bacha Khan Markaz — here on Saturday.

He extended unequivocal support to the government wanting explicit assurances concerning the future setup in Afghanistan.

“Whatever the future setup (in the post-Taliban situation), it has to come from Loya Jirga (traditional grand assembly of Afghans),” said the ANP chief.

However, the ANP chief differed with the government of Pakistan’s refugee policy observing that apart from closing down main entry points on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the porous border between the two countries could not be closed.

“It is not possible to stop Afghans from entering Pakistan,” said Mr Wali.

“If the UNHCR,” said Wali, “could not set up new camps, it must be looked into whose fault it was.”

In a situation when the government failed to ensure maximum security to aid agencies’ workers, when people were burning buses and causing loss to public and private property in Quetta and other parts of the country, how could the relief agencies be expected to ensure early establishment of camps.

In reply to a question whether he believed Osama bin Laden had a hand in the Sept 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, he said: “It is beyond any doubt after the US has presented evidence to the government of Pakistan and Britain”.

Furthermore, he added, the question of his involvement or otherwise was no more relevant now that the Al-Jazeera Television had telecast his interview.

“His involvement is quite evident from his interview,” said Wali.

About the future setup in the post-Taliban scenario, he said that in the given circumstances King Zahir Shah was the most appropriate figurehead to convene the Loya Jirga.

But the King’s future role should be decided upon by the Jirga.

“We don’t support the idea of bringing King Zahir Shah as the head of new setup. This should be left to the Loya Jirga and people of Afghanistan to decide,” said the ANP chief.