Trade with Afghanistan is crucial for the region, said Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Friday. He called for opening all trade and travel routes with Afghanistan. In his statement, he urged Islamabad to revisit its foreign policy and take steps to improve relations with neighbors.
Hussain emphasized the richness of Pakhtuns’ land in natural resources. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he noted, produces natural gas and generates cheap electricity from water. He demanded that Pakhtuns should have control over these resources, advocating for provincial autonomy.
The ANP leader also called for actions to restore lasting peace in Pakhtun regions. He criticized the previous government of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for releasing over 100 dangerous terrorists. He also mentioned the resettlement of over 40,000 militants and their families in the province.
Hussain linked the resurgence of terrorism to the return of these militants. He pointed out that acts of terror are now happening across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from Swat to Waziristan. He argued that the worsening law and order situation showed that the Parliament and other stakeholders had not been properly consulted.
“We follow Bacha Khan’s ideology. We believe in resolving issues through dialogue,” said Hussain. He recalled how the ANP government had engaged in talks with militants in the Malakand Division to restore peace. He noted that the ANP had borne the brunt of military operations against militants.
Hussain urged the state to carefully review the situation and avoid repeating past mistakes. He stressed the need to protect Pakhtuns, who are facing the consequences of militancy. The ANP, he assured, would continue to fight for the rights of the province.
