Mian Iftikhar concerned over law & order situation

NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Friday expressed concern over deteriorating law and order and the growing coordination between terrorist groups.

Speaking at a workers’ convention in Pabbi, Mian Iftikhar pointed to the recent tragic bombing in Bajaur. “The attack was first claimed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and later by ISIS, which indicates a dangerous level of coordination among terrorist outfits. These groups are not only in contact but appear to be more organised than ever before,” he added.

He criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “If a single blast can shake the entire state machinery, then we must question where we stand as a state.” He also condemned the government’s silence despite videos of militants circulating on social media. “This is a strange system where criminals are powerful and the state appears helpless,” he lamented.

Turning to recent judicial decisions, Mian Iftikhar said a recent court ruling has damaged democracy and paved the way for political horse-trading. “The ANP strongly opposes horse-trading and any actions that undermine parliamentary democracy, public mandate, and political transparency,” he declared.

Referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Mian Iftikhar said that while ANP has always opposed PTI’s political ideology, state institutions created a favourable environment for PTI to form the government in the past. “Now, when the court says that PTI members cannot be allocated reserved seats, it exposes a clear contradiction. This decision not only goes against the principles of justice but lays the foundation for political manipulation,” he warned.

He maintained that the incumbent KP chief minister was, in fact, a representative of the establishment rather than a nominee of Imran Khan.