ATTOCK, May 7: The Awami National Party (ANP) held its first party workers’ convention here on Monday presumably in a bid to prepare themselves for the forthcoming general elections in this bordering district of Punjab.

Besides about 200 workers – majority of whom were labourers, the ANP leaders including Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and the provincial Information Minister (KP) Mian Iftikhar Ahmed also attended the convention and termed it “an achievement of the workers in Attock district”.

The convention was held at a local hotel amid strict security. Addressing on the occasion, the party leaders said the ANP would continue it mission under the teachings and ideology of their founder leader Bacha Khan to maintain peace and harmony in all fields of life.

“We always support democracy and do not believe in doing undemocratic acts,” they said and added that the ANP would nominate its candidates in Punjab in next general elections and the purpose of holding the convention was to motivate the workers.

They also said their party considered Punjab as a big brother and had respected the people of other provinces as, “we believe in provincial harmony.”

Commenting on the political situation, the leaders said the political parties who were promoting “long march culture” in the country, actually wanted to derail the democratic system.

They asked the “pro-long march” forces to avoid such undemocratic stance and resolve the disputed matters in political and democratic way, “failing which”, they warned, “will create further political confrontation in the country.”

Referring to the contempt verdict of the Supreme Court (SC) against the Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, they said, “we always respect the judiciary but the respect of the parliament is also essential. It is very unfortunate that no action has so far been taken against the dictators, who toppled the constitution to further their vested interests”.

The ANP leaders claimed their workers and leaders had given lot of sacrifices to expel the British form this land and always remained faithful and loyal to their country.

“The white colour of the party’s flag has been turned to red, symbolising the sacrifices which also shows their loyalty and commitment with the homeland,” they claimed.

In the end, they appreciated the party leaders and workers of Attock for holding the workers’ convention successfully and hoped they would continue their efforts to promote the party’s mission and would strengthen it in the district.