ANP leader alleges electoral manipulation

CHARSADDA: Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Friday claimed that the mandate of his party had been stolen repeatedly over the last 11 years.

Addressing a gathering at Babakhel area here, he claimed that electoral manipulation was committed for the past 11 years to deprive the ANP of its mandate and hand over victory to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). JUIF former candidate Muhammad Ahmad Khan and 300 of his supporters joined the ANP on the occasion.

Aimal Wali said, “They blocked my way to the Parliament repeatedly, yet this time they couldn’t stop me from reaching the Senate.”

About the alleged electoral rigging, Aimal Wali asserted that “pre-stuffed ballot boxes” were used, claiming rigging was proven in constituencies in Bajaur. He challenged PTI to an electoral audit in the Senate, which PTI initially accepted but later avoided.

The ANP leader criticized what he called the exploitation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources for the benefit of Punjab while neglecting provincial development. He lamented that the province accumulated debt under PTI, predicting it would rise to Rs2.8 trillion by the end of PTI’s term. He said the provincial government was making efforts to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan rather than addressing critical issues facing the Pakhtuns.

ANP provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain also addressed the gathering and expressed concern over the poor law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He accused the chief minister of acting as a bridge between the establishment and Imran Khan while the province faced mounting terror threats.

Mian Iftikhar alleged that recent terrorist incidents in the region were a consequence of agreements made by former intelligence officials, leaving Pakhtun territories vulnerable. He called for a change in foreign policy, implementation of the National Action Plan, and action against terrorist groups operating in Punjab.

He called for improved relations with neighbouring countries and the reopening of trade routes with Afghanistan.