December 26, 2007	Wednesday	Zilhaj 15, 1428

SWABI, Dec 25: Criticising acts of militancy and terrorism in the NWFP, Awami National Party president Asfandyar Wali Khan has said the Pukhtuns are peace-loving people and they want development and prosperity in the province.

Addressing public meetings here on Tuesday, he said that ulema in Punjab and other provinces were advocating peace, but unfortunately some vested interest in the NWFP and tribal belts were inciting innocent people in the name of Jihad.

Asfandyar is contesting the election from NA-7 (Charsadda-1) and NA-12 (Swabi-1).

“Islam is the religion of peace and tranquillity. It does not allow suicide attackers to kill themselves and other Muslim brethren,” he said, adding: “We want peace in the region and what happened in Charsadda on Eid day was really a matter of great concern for every Muslim.”

He said he might have some political differences with Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, but on this occasion he shared his grief with him and his colleagues.

“When the whole Europe was locked in the World War-I and II, our Baba (Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan) upheld the philosophy of non-violence. We are the followers of the Khan Baba and stick to his theory, but a few fanatics are out to defame us,” he said.

About the flour shortage, Asfandyar said the commodity was available at lower rates in Punjab, but it was being sold at higher prices in the NWFP and other tribal areas. “When we cry for the flour supply we are told that it belongs to Punjab, but when we talk about royalty of electricity we are labelled as traitors,” he pointed out.

The ANP chief expressed the hope that Jan 8 would be totally different for the Pukhtuns and they would no longer be called terrorists, extremists and fundamentalists.

“The power of money will be defeated by the power of ideology on Jan 8. Let sink deep the politics of money in the River Indus forever,” he maintained.