ANP believes in peaceful collective efforts for resolving problems, says Asfandyar Wali Khan

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) President Asfandyar Wali Khan has said his party believes in collective efforts for resolving the Pakhtuns' problems through democratic means.

He welcomed the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) chief statement about collective efforts for resolving the Pakhtuns' issues.

Asfandyar Wali said that the ANP appreciated Manzoor Pashteen suggestion for making collective efforts for resolving Pakhtuns problems.

He said that the ANP had always worked for peace and opposed violence. "It believed in the supremacy of the Constitution and parliamentary system in the country and autonomy for provinces," Asfandyar Wali asserted.

The ANP chief said that his party history testified that it believed in collective wisdom and dialogue for resolving issues. He said his party had highlighted the Pakhtuns' problems at every forum.

Asfandyar Wali said that the PTM’s demands were part of his party manifesto, adding that the party leaders had faced hardships, including imprisonment but did not compromise on its principled stance of equal rights for Pakhtuns.

He said his party had opposed dictators and imperialist forces. " The ANP, being a representative party of Pakhtuns, still believes that the only solution to the problems of Pakthuns is their unity," he argued.

The ANP chief said emotional approach and knee jerk reaction exacerbated the situation instead of resolving the problems. He said talks and dialogue were practical steps for resolving issues and that ANP support these parliamentary and democratic steps.

He added that the ANP was ready to sit with anyone and that the party decision would be binding on all party workers.

It may be mentioned here that PTM chief Manzoor Pashteen at a public rally in Bannu said the movement was not against any political party or leader and asked leaders to work collectively to end the sufferings of Pakhtuns and protect their rights.

He announced the formation of a jirga to convince Pakhtun leaders to collectively work for Pakhtuns' rights.