PESHAWAR: Leaders of the Awami National Party (ANP) on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to peace, democracy and the protection of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rights and resources while paying tribute to Bashir Ahmed Bilour and other Pakhtun martyrs.
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The remarks were made at a public meeting in the Namak Mandi area of Peshawar to mark the 13th death anniversary of Bashir Ahmed Bilour. ANP central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan, provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain and former MNA Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour addressed the gathering.
Senator Aimal Wali said the ANP had rendered immense sacrifices in its struggle for peace and stability in the province. He disclosed that the government had advised the party to change or postpone the venue of the event due to security concerns, but the ANP refused to bow to pressure. “Our party was not formed in drawing rooms to retreat out of fear. It was born in streets and hujras, and it will continue to stand with the people,” he said.
He stressed that the ANP was not seeking power for its own sake but remained committed to safeguarding provincial rights, ensuring access to health and education, protecting natural resources, and restoring lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He also urged party workers to begin preparations for the upcoming local government elections.
Earlier, Mian Iftikhar Hussain called on the provincial government to take responsibility for restoring peace in Pakhtun areas, whether through dialogue or, if required, military action. He said the ANP had always pursued peace through negotiations in line with the philosophy of Bacha Khan, while also supporting operations such as those in Malakand division when stability was threatened.
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Former MNA Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, paying tribute to the martyrs, said his family’s sacrifices for democracy and peace were well documented. He emphasised that democracy could only flourish if politicians were allowed to carry out their work freely without undue interference.