Begum Naseem Wali Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Naseem made this announcement during a press conference in Charsadda.
Speaking to journalists, Naseem said she is old but passionate about solving problems of her people. She asked youth to help her with her mission.
Criticising the leadership of ANP particularly Azam Hoti, Ameer Haider Hoti and Asfandyar, Naseem said that Asfandyar has disappointed the party members.
She called upon ANP members to come forward and support her. “There will be no place for corrupt leaders in my party,” she stressed, adding that she will call a jirga soon and announce party leadership.
Earlier this year, Naseem had emerged from years of political hiatus with a firebrand comeback. She had lashed out at her stepson and blamed him for the ANP’s dismal performance in the general elections.
Back in action
Begum Naseem led the party – then known as the National Awami Party (NAP) – in the mid-70s when Wali Khan was imprisoned by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. She was also an active partner of the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA) and was said to be among those, like Asghar Khan, who supported Zia-ul-Haq’s regime. Some even claimed Bacha Khan disliked her and that her presence was owed to her husband’s influence.
Apart from winning a general seat in the K-P Assembly and being the first woman to do so in 1977, she was elected as an MPA in 1988, 1990 and 1993.
Once considered to be the most powerful woman in the ANP, Begum Naseem served as the party’s provincial president for a long time before she was asked to leave the party in 2007. Following a defeat in the 2002 elections by the alliance of religious parties under the banner of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), Begum faced similar criticism over what she now blames Asfandyar for.
Following her ouster, Afrasiab Khattak was made the party’s provincial president and Begum Naseem reluctantly left the political stage.
COMMENTS (10)
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@Mn: Last time Begum nasim spoke she said that the TTpm issue should be resolved as per Pukhtun tradition i.e. Jirga. She also said that shge was willing to work with Imran Khan and PTI to achieve these goals. The women has seen the light. Im very sorry to disappoint you my friend.
US funded reseraction of Mrs. Wali. Wont work
With respect Begum Wali Khan is a spent force now. Asfand Yar is more talented and really proud Pashtun.He can work efficiently.
Between Brother Azam Khan & sister Nasim Wali, ANP is doomed.
This woman is hilarious...."passionate about solving people's problems..." She jests, surely.
welcome back
She is providing an honorable exit to Asfandyar Wali Khan, who has taken US$ 35 Million from USA.... During the tenure of these ethnists (2008-13) KPK was declared the most corrupt government, even surpassing PPP, as per the reports of Transparency International.
Good luck to the lady. I bet she has more courage than Imran and his party. Unlike the latter, I am sure she will not pander to extremists. The country needs such brave leaders.