NOWSHERA: Civil society held a walk here on Sunday in support of ANP central general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain, stressing upon the government to ensure his security as he was receiving threat alerts from the security agencies.

The protest walk started from the civil bazaar and after passing through the GT road reached the Pabbi Press Club. The protesters carried placards inscribed with slogans in favour of the ANP leader. Lawyers, doctors, students and political workers also took part in the walk.

It may be mentioned here that ANP leader Mian Iftikhar has received yet another threat alert from security agencies to minimise his activities as two more terrorists from Kunar province of Afghanistan have entered the district to target him.

Addressing the gathering, local ANP leader Abbas Khan alleged that since the seasoned politician declared the July 25 elections as massively rigged, terrorists were after him. He said the state would be responsible if Mian Iftikhar received any harm. He alleged that terrorists were moving openly and threatening people without fear.

The gathering was also addressed by Dr Riaz, Tamour Kamal, Arif Afghan and others, who demanded of the government to arrest the terrorists immediately and ensure protection to Mian Iftikhar.

They said Mian Iftikhar was a national hero as he had sacrificed his only son and bravely advocated the war against terrorists in the country. He said the government had acknowledged sacrifices of Mian Iftikhar by awarding him different awards and today he was facing serious threat to his life.

They said the government should arrest the terrorists instead of issuing threat alerts to the senior politician.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2018