KARACHI: The Awami National Party (ANP) on Sunday demanded a comprehensive and uniform policy to tackle terrorism and extremism, rejecting the state’s past practice of distinguishing between “good” and “bad” militants.
Read More: CM Afridi wants KP to have a say in anti-terror policy
Addressing a rally organised by the party’s Sindh chapter to mark the 38th death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and the 20th death anniversary of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, ANP chief Senator Aimal Wali Khan said accountability must extend to those who facilitated the return and resettlement of militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
“If the state has concluded that militants are ‘khawarij’ and a ‘fitna’, then those responsible for bringing them back must also be held accountable,” he said, calling for harsh punishments for former military and civilian leaders whose actions contributed to the present security situation.
Senator Wali Khan argued that repeated military operations had failed to eradicate terrorism. “Operations are not a permanent solution. Terrorism is the real problem, but over 50 operations have not delivered lasting peace,” he said. He stressed that peace in KP could only be achieved through a coordinated, people-centric policy involving the federal government, the KP government, and all stakeholders.
عوامی نیشنل پارٹی سندھ کے زیرِ اہتمام فخرِ افغان باچا خان کی ویں اور قائدِ جمہوریت خان عبدالولی خان کی ویں برسی کے موقع پر کراچی میں ایک عظیم الشان جلسہ عام کا انعقاد۔ مرکزی صدر سینیٹر ایمل ولی خان کا خطاب
آج پختونخوا کا سب سے بڑا مسئلہ تیراہ آپریشن ہے، مگر پورا ملک… pic.twitter.com/xpxMmId6AG
— Awami National Party (@ANPMarkaz) January 25, 2026
Rejecting any association between Pashtuns and militancy, he asserted that the community was peace-loving and had no links to extremist ideologies. He also voiced concern over ongoing displacement in Tirah and criticised both federal and provincial authorities for “neglect and misgovernance.”
Senator Wali Khan underscored the importance of strengthening the 18th Constitutional Amendment and empowering local governments, arguing that devolving authority and extending NFC Award principles to grassroots bodies was essential for addressing public issues.
On foreign policy, he questioned Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Peace Board without parliamentary approval and demanded clarity on its benefits. Speaking on Karachi’s recent Gul Plaza fire tragedy, he urged political parties to focus on relief and justice rather than blame games.
Read More: National policy to combat terrorism on the anvil
ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed highlighted Bacha Khan’s legacy of peace and non-violence, noting that the party’s politics remain rooted in democracy and loyalty to Pakistan.