ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan calls PTI 'Taliban’s political wing'

Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan, accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of reintroducing 40,000 terrorists into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), calling it the political wing of the Taliban. He made these remarks during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Tuesday.

Highlighting Karachi’s significance, Khan stated, "Karachi is the economic hub and cultural city of Pakistan, belonging equally to all ethnic communities, including Muhajirs, Sindhis, Pashtuns, and Baloch. It is a unique bouquet representing every segment of the nation."

Commenting on PTI’s role in the political landscape, he criticised PTI founder Imran Khan, saying, "He is no champion of democracy. He attacks state institutions when it suits him. If we can shake hands with the Sharifs, does it mean we should also ally with devils?"

He further alleged that PTI was never a genuine political force, claiming, "The West, and particularly Israel, played a role in PTI’s rise. That’s why it was never a legitimate political entity."

Referring to the political situation in K-P, Khan asserted that PTI came to power in collaboration with terrorists. "Elections in three provinces are disputed, yet the K-P elections are considered fair. How is that possible?" he questioned.

He also mentioned the upcoming political landscape, hinting at the possibility of Ali Amin Gandapur becoming the chief minister of K-P. "These people aren’t Imran Khan's loyalists; they belong to other powers," he said, mentioning Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz as examples.

In his speech, the ANP chief criticised Imran’s government, accusing it of selling off national assets and disrespecting the nation. "First, they sold buffaloes, and then they sold insults," he remarked.

Khan further acknowledged the importance of maintaining the country’s credibility but expressed personal opposition to a three-year extension for officials, though he recognised its necessity for national stability.

Touching upon judicial matters, he criticised the Supreme Court, accusing it of prioritising cases that garner media attention instead of delivering justice. He suggested the need for judicial reform and broader representation in courts, including members from Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Addressing the ongoing security issues in K-P, the ANP leader revealed that the province is facing severe governance challenges, with more than half of the region lacking police control. He warned of disastrous consequences if the situation continues unchecked.

On the country’s economic challenges, he lamented the reliance on loans, stating that no nation or household can thrive on borrowed money. He called for an end to extravagant expenditures and criticised the current economic management.

Concluding his speech, Khan declared that ANP and PTI could never be allies, alleging that PTI now relies on the backing of figures like Maulana Fazlur Rehman, as it is incapable of surviving politically on its own.

The ANP leader stressed the long-standing sacrifices his party had made for the country, stating, "We nurtured these terrorists, but they spread terror. We gave martyrs for the country, but where did the reward for our sacrifices go?" He reiterated that PTI and the Taliban are one and the same, calling PTI the Taliban’s political wing.