No compromise on provincial rights: Aimal

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) chief Aimal Wali Khan has claimed that the promised provincial autonomy for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains unfulfilled even 15 years after the passage of 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Addressing a gathering at Islamic College here, Aimal Wali stated that instead of granting the province its constitutional rights, it was subjected to a wave of terrorism. “Our leadership was targeted, and the people’s mandate was stolen through systems like the Results Transmission System during the 2018 elections,” he said.

He further alleged that the province’s rich mineral resources are under the control of non-local entities. “If others control our minerals, what is the need for local legislation? We categorically reject this occupation,” he asserted, adding that even the United States has now shown interest in the province’s natural resources.

Reaffirming his party’s stance, Aimal Wali demanded that the 18th Amendment be implemented in letter and spirit. “The constitution must be upheld. Without provincial autonomy, true national unity is not possible,” he said.

He also expressed solidarity with the military, urging it to focus on defending the borders, particularly in light of threats from India. “The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our armed forces, but internal justice is just as important for national strength,” he added.

Aimal Wali warned that the patience of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is wearing thin. “We have now decided to sacrifice our peace for our rights,” he declared, hinting at possible political mobilisation in the near future.