By Anees Takar
CHARSADDA: A massive public gathering organized by the Awami National Party (ANP) in Charsadda on the death anniversaries of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement founder Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) and Khan Abdul Wali Khan turned into a strong political show of strength, with ANP leadership delivering sharp criticism of state policies, governance, and the prevailing political order.
The rally, attended by a large number of party workers and supporters from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, featured speeches by ANP Central President Aimal Wali Khan, Senior Vice President and former Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain, District President Shakeel Bashir Khan Umarzai, and other senior leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Aimal Wali Khan said the huge turnout proved that Bacha Khan’s philosophy and struggle remain alive, and that the ANP continues to be deeply rooted in the history and political struggle of the Pashtun people. He stated that the party does not seek power or positions, but aspires to rule the hearts of the people through principles, democracy, and non-violence.
Speaking on the current security situation, Aimal Wali Khan said the Pashtun population had been rendered “helpless and abandoned,” particularly referring to the conditions in Khyber and Tirah. He categorically rejected any new military operation, stating that if Pakistan’s problem is being framed as an “operation,” the ANP will oppose it. He demanded an immediate halt to operations and the safe return and rehabilitation of displaced civilians to their homes.
He emphasized that terrorism cannot be eliminated through military operations alone and urged the state to make a clear decision on who is considered a terrorist and who is treated as a so-called “strategic asset.” He demanded strict action against those who labeled terrorism as jihad and called for severe punishment for facilitators of militant groups.
Aimal Wali Khan directly held former Army Chief General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, former ISI chief Faiz Hameed, former President Arif Alvi, and former Prime Minister Imran Khan responsible for bringing militants back into the country, calling them “criminals in the eyes of the nation.” He reiterated that the ANP seeks peace through constitutional means and public mandate.
On foreign policy, he said Pakistan should distance itself from the Gaza Board of Peace initiative, arguing that Pakistan has its own serious internal challenges. He stressed that the Palestinian issue must be resolved according to the wishes of the Palestinian people themselves.
Highlighting economic and trade concerns, Aimal Wali Khan said trade routes for Pashtuns have effectively been shut down. He questioned why trade with India continues while trade with Afghanistan remains suspended, noting that border closures have failed to curb terrorism. He demanded the immediate reopening of all trade routes with Afghanistan to stabilize the region’s economy.
Referring to the February 8 general elections, he termed them highly controversial and alleged that the ANP was defeated through systematic rigging. He claimed that candidates were “selected through money” and said that despite forming a parliament of its choice, the government remains incapable of making independent decisions, with real power still concentrated in the hands of a few individuals behind the scenes.
Aimal Wali Khan warned that the era of gun dominance will eventually end and that the real source of power will be the people of Pakistan. However, he said deliberate efforts are currently underway to weaken the public and undermine democratic institutions. He vowed that the ANP would resist every move aimed at weakening democracy.
He also called for electoral reforms, demanding voting rights for 18-year-olds, arguing that if young citizens can pay taxes and obtain identity cards and driving licenses, they should also have the right to vote.
Highlighting the role of Pashtuns in nation-building, he said the Pashtun community has played a major role in Pakistan’s development and that Pashtun progress is inseparable from a stable and prosperous Pakistan. He demanded an end to terrorism, better educational facilities for children, and employment opportunities for youth. He urged party workers not only to vote for the ANP in future elections but also to actively protect their votes.
Earlier, while speaking to the Muhammadzai Union of Journalists in Charsadda, Aimal Wali Khan criticized Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Board of Peace, calling it evidence of a “hybrid regime” where elected institutions have been reduced to rubber stamps. He claimed that even the federal cabinet was likely not taken into confidence before the decision was made.
He said the parliament feels suffocating and has failed to function as a genuine forum for resolving public issues, though ANP lawmakers have continued to raise their voices in line with the party’s ideology.
Discussing Afghan policy, Aimal Wali Khan said bringing undocumented Afghan nationals into Pakistan was a flawed decision, one that Khan Abdul Wali Khan had also opposed in the past. He criticized the constantly changing narrative around Afghan refugees, stating they were first called refugees, then mujahideen, then students, then Taliban, and now labeled as “Fitna Al-Kharij” or “Fitna Al-Hindustan.” He added that their repatriation is now also being carried out in an unjust and improper manner.
He said Pakistan suffered heavily in proxy wars, while those responsible were celebrated and billions of dollars were earned in their name. Today, he warned, the country is paying the price for those policies.
Commenting on regional geopolitics, Aimal Wali Khan expressed concern over deteriorating Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and improving ties between Afghanistan and India. He described the situation as part of a broader global power struggle, with the US and Israel on one side and Russia and China on the other, while countries like Pakistan and Iran are being turned into battlegrounds.
He also strongly criticized the provincial government, accusing the Chief Minister of neglecting public issues despite having constitutional authority. He alleged that the Chief Minister is more concerned about retaining his position and securing the release of Imran Khan than addressing the problems faced by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The rally concluded with renewed vows by ANP leaders and workers to continue their political struggle for peace, democracy, Pashtun rights, and constitutional supremacy in Pakistan.
