PTA chief clears ‘misunderstanding’ with Aimal Wali, visits Bacha Khan Markaz

PESHAWAR: Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major-General (R) Hafeezur Rehman, on Monday ended the “misunderstanding” with the Awami National Party President Aimal Wali Khan after visiting the Bacha Khan Markaz.

A statement on the Facebook account of the ANP chief stated that the PTA head visited Bacha Khan Markaz, where he was warmly received by Senator Aimal Wali Khan. Speaking on the occasion, the PTA chairman said the incident that had occurred earlier was due to a misunderstanding. “I had expressed my regrets the same day, and today I have come to Bacha Khan Markaz to clear any remaining grievances,” he said. Major-General (R) Hafeez-ur Rehman added that he held Senator Aimal Wali Khan and his family in the highest regard. Senator Aimal Wali Khan responded by saying that Bacha Khan Markaz was the home to all the oppressed and of all Pakhtuns. “Here, issues are resolved through jirgas, and following Pakhtun traditions, I accept the jirga of the PTA chairman,” he stated. It may be mentioned here that the recent tension between the PTA chairman and the ANP chief arose from an incident during a Senate committee meeting. During the meeting, the PTA chief allegedly made a sarcastic remark. The senator deemed the remark disrespectful and unacceptable. Although the PTA chief later expressed regret over the incident, attributing it to a misunderstanding, the senator rejected the apology, stating that the matter was too serious to be resolved so easily. Subsequently, Aimal Wali Khan moved a privilege motion in the Senate against the PTA chairman, which was supported by the Leader of the House Ishaq Dar. Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani referred the matter to the Privileges Committee for further deliberation.