Terrorism a product of state policies: ANP

PESHAWAR — Senator Aimal Wali Khan, the central president of the Awami National Party (ANP), has argued that terrorism is not confined to a single province, but rather stems from state policies. In a statement on Monday, he emphasized the need to end the "double standard" in handling militancy. Wali Khan stated that while he is content with Punjab's safety, the party objects to the state's inconsistent approach towards terrorism.

He asserted that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan deserve peace just as much as those in Punjab and Islamabad. Wali Khan claimed that the policies driving terrorism in these provinces were devised without their input. He questioned who established, nurtured, and trained the militant organizations and used them for strategic purposes.

The ANP leader recalled his predecessors' warnings about the potential spread of the conflict from Afghanistan to Pakistan, only to face labels as traitors and traitorous elements. He criticized the tendency to equate Pakistan solely with Punjab, recalling when the premier, who also governed Punjab, appealed to militants to avoid attacks in the province, stating their stance aligned.

Wali Khan charged that the state has yet to learn from the past. He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to bear the brunt for Islamabad's interests. He called for the creation of an independent and autonomous 'truth and reconciliation commission' to delve into the nation's history since 1947. Wali Khan urged accountability for those who have breached the Constitution and law, the facilitation of foreign wars for financial gain, and involvement in conflicts for personal interests.