ANP chief suggests ‘targeted actions’ against terrorists

KHAR: Awami National Party President Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Friday called for targeted actions in areas where terrorists had a presence.

“There was no need to make proper announcements if actions were planned against terrorists. “Targeted actions should be taken wherever terrorists are present,” he said alluding to Operation Azm-e-Itekam whose announcement had invited criticism from various political parties.

The ANP chief was talking to journalists after offering condolences to the family of former senator Hidayatullah Khan who was killed in a remote-control bombing recently along with four companions. The ANP chief condemned the killing of Hidayatullah Khan and others and said it was a highly unfortunate incident.

He said the Pakhtuns were being pushed to a bigger war in a bid to occupy their resources.

Aimal Wali came down hard on the state institutions after accusing them of having failed to protect the people.

He said efforts were being made to pave the way for another war for the United States. “I fear this war will linger on for a long time,” he said. The ANP chief said the countrymen had every right to ask about the outcome of the over 60 operations conducted earlier. “They must be told of the losses suffered by the terrorists and the masses,” he added.

He said the only answer to terrorism was the implementation of the National Action Plan. “The NAP had also recommended action against the facilitators [of terrorists]. We will believe in the seriousness of the anti-terror actions if the facilitators are made accountable as well,” he added.