SWABI: Awami National Party central vice-president Ameer Haider Khan Hoti said here on Wednesday that the current wave of terrorism was more dangerous than before and if the government did not take swift action then it seemed Punjab too would no longer remain safe.

He expressed these views while speaking to party workers during his visit to Swabi.

Mr Hoti also spoke about the increasing incidents of terrorism and the role of his government when he had assumed charge as KP chief minister after the 2008 general elections.

Addressing party’s youth convention late on Tuesday evening, he recalled that they had introduced Sharia law in Malakand division for speedy dispensation of justice because the militants exploited this issue, meeting the core demand of Tehreek Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Muhammadi (TNSM).

“In fact, the Sharia law was not demanded by Fazlullah (late emir of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan), but by the people of Malakand,” he said. “Later, a peace accord was inked with Swat militants. However, they (militants) broke the agreement, marched into Buner and threatened Swabi district,” he added.

The ANP leader said had they adopted the policy like former CM Pervez Khattak and present CM Mahmood Khan then they would not have faced in any danger. He claimed Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf provincial government did not take interest in fighting against terrorism, but the people were alert and in the field to render sacrifices.

Mr Hoti said the ANP activists rendered sacrifices and had succeeded to restore peace in the province, but due to the appeasement policy of PTI the militants had crept back and now posed a serious threat to the entire country.

The ANP leader said the country’s rulers should take result-oriented steps to tackle the challenges of terrorism and feeble economy. He said they wanted that the right of forming and removing the governments should rest with the people only.

“According to the country’s Constitution and looking at the evidence against the PTI chairman in various cases, we can say that Imran Khan will not be eligible for coming election,” Mr Hoti claimed.

He said the youth were the true ambassadors of the party and they could contribute immensely to its success in the upcoming general elections.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2023