NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter President Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Wednesday said that the region once again stood on the brink of a major war, but timely diplomatic efforts by global powers led to a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Talking to reporters here, he said Pakistan and several other countries played a significant role in de-escalating tensions and ensuring the ceasefire. He added that efforts were now underway to turn the temporary truce into lasting peace. Highlighting the current global situation, Mian Iftikhar said it demanded prioritizing dialogue over the use of force.
He noted that major world powers have also reached the conclusion that war was not a sustainable solution to conflicts, as it only leads to further destruction and instability. The ANP leader said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered from unrest, terrorism, and prolonged tensions for nearly five decades, causing heavy human and financial losses to the Pashtun population.
He added that the prolonged conflict not only damaged the economy but also severely affected the social fabric, stressing the need for serious negotiations to ensure peace in the province.Drawing parallels with international diplomacy, he said that just as global conflicts were being addressed through diplomatic means, local issues should also be resolved through dialogue.
He emphasized that all stakeholders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must come to the negotiating table to develop a strategy for sustainable peace. Referring to recent tensions between Pakistan and India, he said that both countries agreed to a ceasefire after four days of heightened tensions, demonstrating that even intense disputes can be resolved through dialogue.
Talking about Afghanistan, he said that both Pakistan and Afghanistan are sovereign states and should refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs. He stressed that improved bilateral relations are not only in the interest of both countries but are also essential for regional peace and stability. Mian Iftikhar urged Pakistan to prioritize friendly relations with neighboring countries in its foreign policy.
He emphasized that mutual respect, confidence-building measures, and sustained diplomatic engagement are vital for lasting peace in the region. The ANP leader stressed the need to move away from the politics of conflict and confrontation and adopt a policy of peace, dialogue, and tolerance to ensure a stable and peaceful future for coming generations.
