By Junaid Toru
Awami National Party (ANP) Provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Thursday lambasted the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and state institutions over what he called a complete failure to curb terrorism in the province.
Addressing a press conference at Bacha Khan Markaz, Peshawar, the senior ANP leader expressed anger over the delay in arresting the killers of Maulana Khanzeb, saying several days have passed since the assassination but no headway has been made.
“The incident took place in a busy market under CCTV surveillance, yet the culprits remain unidentified,” he said. “Terrorism is taking place in broad daylight while the state remains unaware. Maulana Khanzeb was not our last martyr.”
Mian Iftikhar questioned who was providing protection to militants, pointing out that in Bajaur terrorists move freely without fear. He alleged that the provincial government has lost its writ even in the home district of the Chief Minister.
The ANP leader further said that the province is still following the policies of former intelligence officer Faiz Hameed. “Who was Faiz Hameed a favorite of, and why has he not been punished?” he asked.
Commenting on recent security operations, Mian Iftikhar said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already made it clear they do not want operations that displace them. “This is not about security; this is about taking control of our minerals,” he claimed, adding that after being exposed on the Mines and Minerals Bill, the authorities are now using the excuse of operations to grab resources.
He maintained that the ANP believes in the Constitution and democracy despite repeated injustices. “We were defeated through manipulation in the last three general elections,” he said.
Mian Iftikhar emphasized that the ANP has no personal enmity with anyone. “Whoever is an enemy of peace is also our enemy,” he declared, demanding immediate action against terrorist networks. “Who are these terrorists who do not cross Attock or Sindh? Their safe havens must end,” he concluded.
