ANP rejects Hazara province resolution

Calls for provinces on nationality basis, Pashtun unity, constitutional supremacy

PESHAWAR:

The Central Council of the Awami National Party (ANP) has rejected a resolution passed by the Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the creation of a Hazara province.

The council insisted that new provinces should be formed on the basis of nationalities and called for a single representative Pashtun unit stretching from Chaman to Waziristan and Chitral.

It declared that the only way to steer the country out of its multiple crises is through the supremacy of the Constitution, a free and sovereign Parliament, and respect for the public mandate.

The council stated that any attempt to curtail parliamentary authority amounts to an attack on the people's right to rule, which would not be accepted under any circumstances. It warned all state institutions that deviation from the Constitution, interference in political affairs, and overstepping constitutional limits are weakening the state. Any institution or individual exceeding constitutional boundaries would be committing a clear violation of the Constitution, which the ANP outright rejects.

The meeting, chaired by ANP President Aimal Wali Khan, was held at Bacha Khan Markaz in Peshawar and attended by Central Council members from across the country. Participants held detailed discussions on the prevailing political situation, organizational matters, and other key issues. Proposed amendments to the party constitution and major organizational reforms were presented and unanimously approved.

The Central Council expressed serious concern over continued undemocratic practices, political engineering, and constitutional deviations, stating that these have severely damaged the balance among state institutions. Reiterating its stance, the council emphasized that constitutional supremacy, parliamentary autonomy, and respect for the people's mandate remain the sole solution to national crises.

The council voiced deep concern over terrorism, target killings, bomb blasts, and the overall law and order situation in K-P and Balochistan, saying that the people of these provinces are paying the price for failed state policies. It demanded that all stakeholders be taken on board in formulating counter-terrorism policies and that the issue be addressed not merely as a security challenge but within political, economic, and social frameworks.

The meeting also called for giving final shape to the announced judicial commission to investigate the killing of ANP leader Maulana Khanzeb, urging the Chief Justice to appoint a senior judge promptly to ensure transparent and timely investigations.

The council demanded immediate and full payment of all outstanding dues owed to K-P by the federal government under electricity, gas, oil, and hydropower net profit heads, directing the provincial government to play an effective role in securing the province's rights.