Expanding its election campaign to Upper Dir, the Awami National Party (ANP) held a large public rally addressed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti on Saturday.
The rally is considered an important feat by ANP in Upper Dir, which is dominated by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its archrival in the district, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). The rally was organized by ANP’s local chapter, headed by its president Naveed Anjum Khan. Apart from Hoti, and ANP Senator Afrasiab Khattak, senior provincial minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Information Minister Iftikhar Hussain also addressed the rally.
Despite threats to their lives, the ANP high command finally embarked on a campaign to contact the masses, starting with a public gathering at Batakhela Malakandion on September 6. As part of the drive, the ANP leadership reached Upper Dir where it was accorded a warm welcome by party workers and stalwarts wearing red caps and holding party flags.
On the occasion, the elders and representatives from more than 300 families announced resignations from various parties such as the JI, Pakistan Muslim League, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the PPP. ANP Upper Dir President Naveed Anjam Khan assured Chief Minister and Afrasiab Khattak of gifting them parliamentary seats in next general elections.
Dir region become part of Pakistan in 1969 when the then martial law administrator General Yahya Khan had announced a merger of former princely states. It remained a stronghold of Jamaat-e-Islami until the PPP started making its way in. However, currently, the ANP has emerged as a strong force in both Upper and Lower Dir districts. Haji Hidayatullah from Lower Dir occupies a ministerial berth in provincial cabinet, while Zahid Khan and Zahida Bibi are senators from Upper Dir. ANP stalwarts like Zahir Shah Khan, Hussain Shah, Naveed Anjum Khan and Ayub Khan are also enjoying key offices in party both at provincial and central level.
Addressing the rally, Chief Minister Hoti and other party leaders highlighted the achievements of ANP government during the last four and a half years. They said the party had encouraged political reconciliation and understanding by taking the leaders from other political parties in confidence.
Referring to the issue of terrorism and militancy, the ANP leaders said it was harmful to the core interests of the country. “Violence and terrorism is contrary to Islamic norms and obligations and on such grounds, we resisted against it,” they said. They added that as a result of their policy, there exists “peace and tranquility” in almost all parts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.