ANP 2.0: PTI using Ehtesab Commission to harass opponents: Asfandyar Wali

Youth from across country attend NYO convention in provincial capital

PESHAWAR: The central leader of Awami National Party, Asfandyar Wali, hit out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan, saying its anti-corruption drive is aimed at political opponents.

“The Ehtesab Commission is being used to harass political opponents in the province,” said the leader while addressing members of ANP’s youth wing, National Youth Organisation (NYO) on Sunday.

“An MPA blamed the chief minister of corruption in the provincial assembly and another MPA accused a senior minister of similar charges but Ehtesab Commission did not probe into those allegations,” Asfandyar said, “But they are quick to act against others.”

Asfandyar said the “Kaptan” blamed a political party and its ministers of corruption and expelled it from the government but then the same party chief was taken to Bani Gala and ‘dry cleaned’ and included in the government. While addressing members of the organisation, the ANP leader also spoke about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying Prime Minister Nawaz should announce the establishment of an industrial estate in Wana, SWA; Bajaur Agency; and other areas where Pukhtuns were living in poverty.

ANP’s next generation

One of the many participants was 12-year-old Hujaj, a resident of Adezai. “We are 35 people who have come here to attend the convention in which there are at least six children,” he said. His father is an active worker of ANP in Adezai therefore he is “surkh-posh” by birth.

Another participant, Hussainullah, albeit a bit older, was also present at the convention. “I’m the senior vice president of the party in FR Peshawar but I have come here to encourage the youth.”

Amad, a youth who was part of a 200-strong delegation from Timergara, said he feels proud to be a member of the youth organisation. Ayan Ali, from the same district, said he was the third generation of ANP and has been part of NYO since its inception. “There are 60,000 members of NYO across the country and its size is growing.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2015.