March 02, 2008	Sunday	Safar 23, 1429

MARDAN, March 1: Awami National Party nominee for chief minister slot Amir Haider Khan Hoti has said the most serious issue facing the province, particularly the tribal region, is militancy, which will be resolved through dialogue.

Talking to journalists at his residence here on Saturday, he said all issues would be resolved through talks in accordance with Pakhtun traditions, because use of force could not solve problems.

Amir Hoti, who was given full official protocol, said resolving the issue of terrorism was his priority as peace was must for development and prosperity of the province.

He said that to achieve a lasting peace in the province, particularly in the tribal belt, a grand jirga would be constituted to hold talks with militants.

“Our elders always took the stand that the war in Afghanistan could not be won only through bullet and the only option to resolve the issue was talks, but they were criticised and were branded traitors and agents. The time has proved their concern was right and human,” he said. The ANP had always been advocating good relations with Afghanistan, he said.

Amir Hoti condemned the terrorist attacks in Lakki Marwat and Swat.

He said the NWPF was facing numerous problems, including provincial autonomy, royalty on electricity and gas and renaming the province, and the ANP government would try to solve the issues by taking along coalition partners both at the centre and provincial levels.

He said the next provincial government under him would strive for the province’s rights over its resources.

A large number of activists of the party and its students’ wing, Pakhtun Students Federation, visited Amir Hoti’s residence and expressed joy over his nomination as the chief minister.

Supporters of the CM-designate also resorted to aerial firing, despite a ban by the district government.