Propping the Constitution: Asfandyar reiterates support for ‘democratically-elected govt’

Questions why Imran alleges rigging in provinces where his party lost but not in K-P.

PESHAWAR: Asfandyar Wali Khan, president of the Awami National Party (ANP), reaffirmed his party’s stance on the supremacy of the Constitution and reiterated its opposition to the “drama” in Islamabad.

“We are determined to work for the safety, stability and strengthening of the democratic process,” said Asfandyar at a news conference after a lunch hosted on Monday by Syed Masoom Shah, ex-adviser to the former chief minister.

“A review of the Constitution at this crucial stage could prove harmful to the federation,” he remarked. “In future, instead of one Constitution for all, federating units could go for their own respective constitutions.”

The Constitution is very clear on the removal of the premier and the handling of political affairs through the Parliament, said the ANP chief. “We must keep in high esteem constitutional norms instead of building up pressure against an elected government,” said Asfandyar.

Fighting for democracy

Parties should push for democracy, he said, supporting the call given by Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai to hold rallies in favour of democracy.

In response to a question, Asfandyar stated that no one will be allowed to topple a democratically-elected government with the use of agitation and pressure.

He added the ANP will not let the government make Imran Khan and his party political martyrs. “Imran Khan will fail in his drive, which could be considered ‘his political suicide’,” said Asfandyar.

The government has already constituted a judicial commission to investigate the Model Town incident in Lahore; political forces need to let the commission complete its job, he added.

Rigging the vote

“It is astonishing that Imran Khan alleges rigging in provinces where his party failed but he is silent about Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa,” said Asfandyar.

He said his party had recognised the election results with reservations for the sake of democracy and the larger interests of the country.

Opening up FATA

Supporting the military operation in North Waziristan, the ANP leader termed it a positive step but “without [giving Fata equality], no one can ensure durable peace in the region.”

Tribesmen should be given due human and constitutional rights,and the fate of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) should be decided in accordance to the wishes of the tribesmen, said Asfandyar. “We support the idea of a referendum on Fata but it must not be a referendum of Ziaul Haq.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 26^th, 2014.