CHARSADDA: Awami National Party provincial president Aimal Wali Khan has said that it is not possible to eradicate terrorism in the country without implementing the National Action Plan (NAP). He said they loved Pakistan and Khudai Khidmatgar leader Bacha Khan had taken the oath of loyalty to this country in the National Assembly.

“We have recognised Pakistan for generations. Now it is time for Pakistani rulers to recognise us. Our ancestors were persecuted, but we never talked about breaking Pakistan,” he said.

Addressing ‘Bacha Khan Peace Seminar’ here under the auspices of Pakhtun Students Federation, Shabqadar, Aimal Wali said they raised their voice for their rights and authority over resources within Pakistan.

ANP leader vows to resist any conspiracy to roll back 18th Amendment

He said that the 18th Amendment guaranteed the rights of smaller provinces. He said they would not remain silent if their rights were usurped.

The ANP leader warned that they would strongly resist any conspiracy to roll back the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Aimal Wali said when Wali Khan described Afghan war as a mischief he received fatwas of anti-nationalism in return. “It is unfortunate for Pakhtuns that anyone who talks about their rights and peace is declared as a traitor and anti-Pakistan,” he said.

He said that terrorism was used as propaganda against ANP during its government.

The ANP provincial leader said that for the sake of peace they first adopted the path of negotiations, but the militants did not stop from destruction. “We are followers of Bacha Khan and successors of Wali Khan, so we will go to any extent for peace,” he reiterated.

Regarding regrouping of militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aimal Wali Khan claimed that KP was again handed over to militants during Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government.

He said it was surprising that a minister of the province was representing the country in the jirga in talks with militants.

ASFANDYAR CONDEMNS QUETTA ATTACK: ANP central president Asfandyar Wali Khan has condemned the suicide attack on police personnel in Baleli area of Quetta, saying that targeting police and civilian in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects the threatening situation.

He said in a statement that yesterday the militants announced attacks across Pakistan and today (Wednesday) police and civilian were targeted. He said how long the lives of innocent people would continue to be sacrificed in this war, he said, adding this war must be ended now.

The ANP leader said even today the curse of terrorism could be eliminated if the National Action Plan was implemented in letter and spirit.

He asked where did suicide bomber come from and who delivered it, and were any measures taken to protect the public.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2022