NOWSHERA: Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Friday condemned the recent terrorist attacks in the province and called for a comprehensive and long-term counter-terrorism policy to restore peace and security.
Addressing a gathering held in Nowshera to mark the 16th death anniversary of his son Mian Rashid Hussain, the ANP leader said that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial police were paying the price for what he described as failed and temporary counterterrorism policies.
He said the law and order situation in the province was deteriorating with each passing day, while both the federal and provincial governments had failed to recognize the seriousness of the security challenges.
Recalling the killing of his only son 16 years ago, the ANP leader said he had also survived multiple assassination attempts by militants but had never retreated from his stance against terrorism.
“My son was martyred in broad daylight 16 years ago, and I have faced several terrorist attacks since then. I continue to receive threats, but I have neither hidden in fear nor will I ever step back from my principles,” he said.
Mian Iftikhar warned that there were organised attempts to destabilise the Malakand Division once again, expressing concern over the presence and recent activities of militant groups in Swat and Lower Dir. He said the merged tribal districts and southern parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were already facing persistent insecurity, terrorism, and what he termed official negligence.
He said hardly a day passed without a violent incident in the province and criticised both the federal and provincial governments for failing to fulfill their constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives and property of citizens.
The ANP leader maintained that terrorism could not be eliminated through temporary, symbolic, or reactionary measures. He called for a clear, consistent, and realistic counterterrorism policy based on public confidence, warning that failure to adopt such an approach could have serious consequences not only for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but for the entire country.
Paying tribute to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Mian Iftikhar praised the force’s courage, sacrifices, and professionalism despite limited resources and inadequate facilities. He offered prayers for the police personnel martyred in the recent attacks in Lower Dir and Bannu, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
He reiterated that the Awami National Party would continue raising its voice at every forum for the establishment of lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
