Applications for assembly seats have doubled, says Asfandyar

There is no space for people who tarnish the party’s image even if it’s my son, adds party president.

The Awami National Party (ANP) will stick by its belief in non-violence although it has lost many of its activists in the ongoing war, said party president Asfandyar Wali Khan, adding that despite security threats a large number of people have applied for tickets to contest the elections.

While addressing a district cabinet meeting in Charsadda on Monday, he said the parliamentary board of the party had received 185 applications during the 2008 elections, adding this number has doubled to 425.

“Opposition parties cannot weaken my party and betray people by resorting to propaganda tactics,” he added, according to a press release issued.

Asfanydar further said applying for a party ticket is everyone’s right in the party and if any application is found to be in violation of the board’s rules and decision, it will not be accepted.

“There is no space for people who tarnish the ANP’s image even if the person is my son, Aimal Wali.”

He further stressed the need for holding fruitful talks with the Taliban for sustainable peace in the region.



The ANP chief further said his government has completed record developmental projects across the province by establishing universities, school and colleges and improving the overall infrastructure in less developed parts of the province. “Those who are spreading baseless propaganda should look into their parties, who have also remained in past governments,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12^th, 2013.