CHARSADDA: Awami National Party (ANP) president Aimal Wali Khan on Friday reiterated that terrorism cannot be eliminated through military operations alone and demanded the immediate return of displaced residents to their homes, particularly in Khyber tribal districts like the Tirah Valley.
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Addressing a large gathering at Farooq-i-Azam Chowk to mark the death anniversaries of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement founder Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, Mr Aimal emphasised that Pakhtuns were being made to suffer due to flawed policies in handling terrorism. He called for action against those who label terrorism as “jihad” and punishment for its facilitators.
پختون قوم کا ضامن ایک مضبوط اور مستحکم پاکستان ہے۔ کمزور پاکستان پختون قوم کیلئے خطرناک ہے۔ پختون قوم کا ضامن وہ پاکستان ہے جہاں ہر قوم کی عزت ہو، جہاں ہر قوم کو اپنا حق ملے۔ اپنے قوم اور بچوں کے حقوق کیلئے ہر محاذ پر لڑیں گے۔
ایمل ولی خان
مرکزی صدر عوامی نیشنل پارٹی… pic.twitter.com/AE2IpeOw2J— Awami National Party (@ANPMarkaz) January 21, 2026
The ANP leader also accused former military and political leaders, including ex-army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, former ISI chief Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, ex-president Arif Alvi, and PTI founder Imran Khan, of contributing to the resurgence of militants in Pakistan. He urged the restoration of peace in the province through education, employment opportunities, and development initiatives.
Mr Aimal criticised the federal government’s decision to join the Gaza Board of Peace, stating that national issues should take priority and the Palestine conflict must be resolved according to the will of its people. He also condemned the closure of the Pak-Afghan border, saying it failed to curb terrorism, and demanded the reopening of trade routes.
On electoral matters, he declared the Feb 8, 2024 general elections controversial, alleging rigging, and stressed the importance of protecting votes alongside casting them. Highlighting regional concerns, he warned of deteriorating Pak-Afghan relations amid improving ties between Afghanistan and India, describing the region as a “battlefield” in a global power struggle.
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Concluding his speech, Mr Aimal affirmed the ANP’s commitment to defend democracy, eliminate terrorism, and advocate for the rights and welfare of Pakhtuns across the country.