Political differences: Begum Nasim asks Asfandyar to vacate ANP central office

Announces a grand convention for ANP-W activists on June 21.

PESHAWAR:

Begum Nasim Wali, the chairperson of Awami National Party-Wali (ANP-W), has asked Asfandyar Wali Khan to voluntarily vacate Bacha Khan Markaz, the central office of the ANP, or they would be forced out. 

Addressing a gathering of party workers on Saturday, Begum Nasim announced that ANP-W would hold a grand convention for party workers from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on June 21.

A large number of senior activists of ANP-W, including former MPA Atifur Rehman, central general secretary Fareed Toofan, Central President of Pukhtun Students Federation Basheer Sherpao and several party activists were present on the occasion.

Begum Nasim said her party comprised true followers of Bacha Khan and she was ready to render any sacrifice for the promotion of his philosophy.

“ANP-W’s party workers will be followers of Bacha Khan’s philosophy of non-violence,” said Begum Nasim, adding Bacha Khan raised his voice for the rights of Pukhtuns on every platform and she would continue his struggle.

The politician criticised ANP’s leadership saying some opportunists in the party sell jobs which is against the principles of party founder Bacha Khan and Khan Abdul Wali Khan.

“I have been elected a lawmaker several times but I have not made a single penny illegally,” said Begum Nasim.

Farid Toofan also spoke on the occasion and criticised ANP former central president Asfandyar Wali Khan. Toofan said he had served ANP for 48 years, “I did not quit ANP but its corrupt leadership forced me to leave,” he added.

“There is no room for corrupt leaders in ANP-W,” Toofan contended.

“We will represent the Pukhtuns of Fata and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the real sense and resolve their problems,” Toofan said, adding ANP-W’s doors were open for all those who are sincere in serving the Pukhtuns.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2014.