ANP protests rising terrorism in Swat

MINGORA: The Awami National Party (ANP) staged a protest demonstration in Kabal Bazaar on Friday against the rising wave of terrorism in Swat and the killing of its local leader and former nazim, Jafar Khan.

ANP Swat district president Sher Shah Khan, Khurshid Kakaji, Tehsil Kabal Chairman Saeed Khan, and other speakers said that the scenic valley was once again turning into a hub of terrorism while the administration had become a silent spectator. They declared that the people of Swat would never accept a return of militancy and criticised the government for failing to maintain law and order in the province.

“It is the responsibility of the government to provide security to the people,” said Sher Shah, adding the ANP activists were being killed under a conspiracy but the party would not compromise on the rights of Pakhtuns.

The speakers demanded the immediate arrest of Jafar Khan’s killers and called for concrete measures to restore peace and ensure the safety of citizens. “The people of Swat want peace and will not allow any form of terrorism in their land,” said Sher Shah. Protesters carried placards and white flags inscribed with slogans for peace.