Wave of unrest fast-spreading in KP: Iftikhar

KOHAT: Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Thursday urged the people to unite to curb the growing unrest and terrorism in the province.

“The salvation of Pakhtuns lies in Bacha Khan’s philosophy, who had rendered immense sacrifices for his people”, he told reporters after attending a ceremony held in connection with commemoration of death anniversaries of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan here.

Mian Iftikhar and Syed Aqil Shah attended the event as special guests. A large number of party workers from the Kohat region participated in the event, which was held at Bacha Khan Library, Kohat.

Mian Iftikhar said that terrorists had martyred many ANP leaders and workers and now again the wave of unrest was fast-spreading in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed concern that terrorism in the province had escalated to the level of civil war. He said that the resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being controlled by outsiders, which must come to an end. He said that ANP desired lasting peace in Kurram district, alleging that foreign powers were instigating Pakhtuns against each other. He urged the Pakhtuns to unite to foil the nefarious designs of the enemies.

Mian Iftikhar assured support for all peace initiatives in Kurram district, including tribal jirgas, and affirmed ANP’s willingness to fully cooperate in such efforts. He reiterated the party’s commitment to serving the people selflessly on all forums. He also claimed that if free and fair elections were held, the ANP would return to power.

Mian Iftikhar also criticised the provincial and federal governments for failure to restore a lasting peace.Later, Mian Iftikhar and Aqil Shah also attended the oath-taking ceremony of Malgari Wakeelan, the ANP-affiliated lawyers’ association, at the district bar.

Mian Iftikhar administered the oath to the newly-elected cabinet of Malgari Wakeelan, including president Malik Kifayatullah Jan, general secretary Bilal Daraz Khattak, senior-vice president Momina Bangash, vice-president Rudaba Khan, finance secretary Amanullah and others