ANP faces backlash over Hazara identity issues

Leader argues removing 'Khyber' from province's name would deepen grievances

HARIPUR:

The movement for a separate Hazara province may be reignited, as the Awami National Party (ANP) appears to be attempting political manipulation under the guise of constitutional amendments, threatening the identity and rights of the Hazara people. These views were expressed by Irfan Mubarak, the former Secretary of Information for the Hazara National Front, during a conversation with media representatives.

He said the plan to remove "Khyber" from the province's name is akin to pouring salt on the wounds of the Hazara community. "The government should not disregard the rights of the Hazara people and other communities for its political gains. If the ANP is not satisfied with the name Khyber, then the constitutional amendment should also include the provision for establishing a separate Hazara province," Mubarak added.

"Khyber" is not just the name of a non-Muslim person or area; it represents a significant chapter in Islamic history. If "Khyber" is removed from the province's name, the Hazara community will once again take to the streets. Certain forces seem intent on disrupting the peace in Hazara, a region known for its tranquillity.

"All political parties, including the PPP and PML-N, should be aware that if they meddle with the province's name under the pretext of constitutional amendments, the proud Hazara people will respond decisively against their political interests," the Hazara leader warned.

He stated that there is little hope that the constitutional amendments will resolve the common citizen's issues; in the past, such amendments have primarily benefited politicians rather than the public.

The 18th Amendment stripped the province of its identity by renaming it K-P, further fuelling feelings of deprivation across Hazara. Once again, the ANP is attempting to blackmail the government regarding constitutional amendments to remove "Khyber" from the province's name, which is highly disappointing.

The ANP, which claims to be a democratic party, must consider how its provocative actions serve the people of this country and province. Such inflammatory actions will only widen the gap between the regions of Attock and Hazara. If the ANP is sincere about the province, it should focus on implementing effective solutions to public issues instead of making inflammatory demands.

Mubarak further stated that if the ANP is not comfortable with the name Khyber, the central government should include the establishment of a Hazara province in the constitutional amendment.