–ANP chief urges neighbouring countries to work for eliminating militancy
–Asfandyar Wali terms PTI govt performance ‘disappointing’
Awami National Party Chief Asfandyar Wali Khan has repeated his concern over continuous violence in the region and urged the rulers of both the neighbouring countries to realise responsibilities for an end to this bloodshed.
“Without an end to violence in Afghanistan, no one can ensure peace in Pakistan,” Asfandyar Wali Khan remarked while addressing a function arranged in connection with unveiling a book on the life of late nationalist politician Mohammad Afzal Khan commonly known as Khan Lala in Baacha Khan Markaz, Peshawar on Sunday. The function was largely attended by nationalists associated with ANP and from different walks of life.
The ANP chief in his comprehensive speech paid glowing tributes to late Khan Lala, remembering, “It was Khan Lala who throughout his life advocated unification of Pakhtuns and an end to Durand Line.” He said that Khan Lala was not only one amongst top leaders of ANP but he was also respected by leaders and workers from other political parties.
Expressing concern over continued violent acts in Afghanistan, Asfandyar Wali said, “No one should jubilate what occurring in Afghanistan as its continuation would definitely affect the regional and neighbouring countries.” He repeated that Pakistan and Afghanistan leadership must enter into an era of trust and play due role for ending violence, militancy and hostilities in the region.
Advocating unification of Pakhtuns, the ANP chief again demanded immediate merger of Federally Administrative Tribal Areas (FATA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Merger of FATA is not only a long standing demand of its people but it could lead to an end of terrorism in this region,” he remarked and also flayed Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman for opposing this genuine demand of majority of Pakhtuns in the region.
Asfandyar Wali Khan in clear words said that no one could disintegrate Pakhtuns. “Former colonial rulers just for nefarious strategic designs demarcated the Pakhtuns region into several parts. “But now almost of the Pakhtuns have made a decision for their unification and no one could deny this genuine right of Pakhtuns,” he emphasised. He urged the government to early announce the reforms agenda of FATA according to five member committee recommendations.
Asfandyar Wali Khan said after an end to Panama drama, the new government must focus attentions on addressing main issues which included early implementations of reforms package in FATA, deteriorating law and order and other economic issues. He denounced the growing political hostilities, which he termed harmful to the very interests of democratic process and supremacy of parliament. He said that ANP would not allow the visible and non-visible forces of making powerless the democratic organs in the country.
Referring to performance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ANP chief termed it disappointing. He pointed out that PTI government had lost even ANP achieved through 18th Amendment and in previous PPP-ANP coalition government. Even instead of implanting the change agenda, the PTI leaders particularly ministers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been accusing each other of corruption and misuse of powers. He urged the ANP workers to embark on campaign for 2018 general elections.
