ANP backs banning PTI, opposes governor’s rule in KP

CHARSADDA/NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) president and Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Friday backed banning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and argued that this would clean up the mess.

Talking to reporters at Wali Bagh here after meeting with KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, he said that the ANP members in the Balochistan Assembly supported a resolution calling for a ban on PTI. He argued that the events of May 9 and November 24 served as valid grounds for banning the PTI. ANP provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain was also present.

Aimal Wali dismissed the idea of imposing governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a solution to the challenges facing the province, saying it would serve no purpose.

He added that any decision on the imposition of governor’s rule would be made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in consultation with all stakeholders.

Commenting on the deteriorating security situation in KP, Aimal Wali expressed concern over the rise in terrorism and lawlessness in the province. “We will fully support and stand with anyone who takes the first step towards peace in Kurram,” he added. “The unrest is spreading day by day,” he said, adding. “Instead of working for peace, the provincial government is attempting to secure the release of PTI’s founder.”

The ANP leader warned of a potential new conflict that could impact the people in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “If the worsening law and order is part of a deliberate plan, then its resolution will be even more challenging. The state must act responsibly and avoid dragging the Pashtuns and Baloch into further crises,” he said.

When questioned about his stance on banning the PTI, Aimal Wali reiterated his position and said the ANP supported the bid. “We supported the Balochistan Assembly’s resolution calling for a ban on PTI as we still believe it is the right step. The sooner this mess is cleaned up, the better it will be for the nation,” he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi clarified that no contact had been made by the federal government on governor’s rule in the province.

Speaking to the media during a visit to Wali Bagh, he said that the all-parties conference (APC) would be held on December 5 at the Governor’s House. He said that all political parties, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had been invited to discuss provincial issues, peace restoration and equitable resource distribution.

Governor Kundi expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in KP. “The province is engulfed in flames of unrest, yet the provincial government is more focused on causing chaos in Islamabad than on ensuring peace in the region,” he said, accusing the provincial leadership of prioritizing the release of PTI founder over addressing terrorism and public safety.

The governor criticized the provincial government’s inaction in resolving the crisis in Kurram district and said the federal government will not allow the province to descend further into lawlessness. “The APC aims to bring all political stakeholders together to devise a solution for peace and security,” Kundi explained. “I previously visited the Chief Minister’s House to promote peace efforts, and I now invite the chief minister to participate in this crucial conference,” he said.

The governor said “two parallel governments” were functioning in KP, adding that the provincial government had failed to address public grievances or establish law and order. He accused PTI of pursuing self-serving goals at the expense of the province’s stability. He said the KP government had abandoned the people of this province at the mercy of terrorists.

Criticizing the PTI leadership, he alleged that its top figures fled while leaving workers to fend for themselves during the Islamabad protest. He noted that even PTI Punjab leaders had sought refuge in KP, who were unable to garner support from other provinces.

Earlier, the governor visited the residence of former chief minister Mehmood Khan in Peshawar and invited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarians chief to attend the all-parties conference.

The governor said that the APC on December 5 to evolve a consensus to discuss the law & order situation as well as other issues. “We are going to organize the APC in the first week of next month to discuss issues including law and order,” said the governor.

He said that all the issues facing the province could be solved through joint efforts.

Faisal Karim Kundi said the leaders of all the political parties would share their opinions to pull the province out of the present security crisis.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehmood Khan said that solutions to all issues could be found through consultations. He said that any possibility of governor’s rule in the province was also discussed in the meeting.