ANP seeks Pak-Afghan dialogue

Mian Iftikhar says war is no solution, blames PTI's 'neglect' for surge in terrorism in K-P

SWABI:

Awami National Party (ANP) Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain has stressed the need to resolve the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan through understanding and dialogue, asserting that war is never a solution to any problem anywhere in the world.

He expressed these views while addressing a joining ceremony in the village of Kotha, where several political and social activists announced their affiliation with the ANP. The gathering was also addressed by ANP Provincial General Secretary Hussain Shah and Central Secretary for Current Affairs Sardar Hussain Babak.

Mian Iftikhar said the recent surge in terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is a direct result of the PTI government's negligence. He alleged that instead of focusing on preventing terrorist activities in the province, the PTI leadership is entirely preoccupied with securing the release of its founder, Imran Khan. As a consequence, he said, the province is facing unemployment, insecurity, electricity and gas load-shedding, inflation, and widespread corruption.

He further said that due to flawed policies of the federal government and the closure of the Pak–Afghan border under the pretext of terrorism, traders, farmers, and the general public of K-P have suffered losses amounting to $2.5 billion. He added that terrorism is not a new phenomenon but has persisted for the last 45 years, largely driven by the interests of global powers.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain urged the government to formulate its foreign, internal, and economic policies in line with national interests rather than serving external agendas, and to ensure self-reliance in safeguarding the country. He noted that previously Pakistan held direct talks on the directives of global powers, but now the situation has worsened with indirect negotiations being held with the Taliban through mediators such as Turkey and Qatar.

He said the ANP is the only political party in Pakistan that not only loves this land but has also actively confronted terrorism, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of its workers. He questioned how peace could be restored in the province when the PTI government remains confrontational and unwilling to engage in talks with the federal government to eliminate terrorism.

Calling for dialogue at all costs, he said the PTI must come to the negotiating table for peace and development and face challenges with political maturity. He lamented that the province is in a state of economic distress while the federal government is even resorting to auctioning aircraft.

Recalling ANP's tenure, he said that his party had successfully held talks with the Taliban leadership, which led to the restoration of peace across Malakand and the entire province.

Other speakers highlighted the ANP's political struggle, commitment to democratic values, and its role in addressing public issues, adding that growing public support is proof that the Awami National Party has emerged as a strong and credible voice of the people.