ANP forgives interior minister Ijaz Shah over his controversial remarks

We have retracted our demand of resignation after interior minister sought apology, says Aimal Wali

PESHAWAR:

Awami National Party (ANP) has accepted Federal Interior Minister Brigadier (retd) Ijaz Shah’s apology over his controversial remarks in which he had allegedly warned the opposition parties of terrorist attack.

The development comes after Shah along with Defence Minister Pervez Khattak on Monday visited the Central Secretariat of ANP and expressed regret over the remarks that hurt the sentiments of the party workers and leaders for what they say disrespected the sacrifices they made during war against terrorism.

“I came here to clarify my position as my statement was taken out of the context,” Ijaz Shah said after meeting ANP K-P chapter President Aimal Wali Khan. He also emphasised that their visit had nothing to do with the opposition’s anti-government alliance, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). “We are returning happily after meeting ANP leadership.”

Khattak, who accompanied the interior minister said that they were treated with respect by the ANP leadership and the misunderstanding that developed over some remarks is now being clarified.

“We apologise if anyone from the ANP is hurt over such remarks,” he said, adding that they called a jirga after which and Aimal Wali accepted their apology.

Speaking on the occasion, the ANP leader said that they accepted the apology in view of Pashtun traditions as the PTI ministers had called a Jirga, an assembly of tribal leaders that supposed to make decisions by consensus.

Aimal Wali also said the PTI ministers also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the ANP leaders and activists during its tenure in K-P in 2008. "Our sacrifices were aimed at safeguarding the nation from terror threat, he added. “After an apology from Ijaz Shah, we have retracted our demand of his resignation.”