ISLAMABAD: The PTI government’s poor policies have made the lives of people miserable, said Awami National Party (ANP) General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain on Tuesday.

The ANP leader was speaking at an event to mark the death anniversaries of the founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement Abdul Ghaffar Khan, also known as Bacha Khan, and of Khan Abdul Wali Khan at the National Press Club.

He said the policies of the incumbent government have led to a rise in inflation and economic uncertainty.

Death anniversaries of Bacha Khan, Wali Khan marked

Mr Hussain criticised the prime minister’s statement on U-turns, adding that the prime minister had said that a leader who did not take U-turns according to the situation was not a real leader.

Mr Hussain criticised the government for what he said was selective accountability. He said most of the corrupt people of PML-N and PPP had already joined PTI.

“Because of the inclusion of these people, one can say that PTI is the most corrupt party,” he said, adding that ANP supports across the board accountability and that action should also be taken against PTI leaders.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain said his party supports the initiative of dialogue between the US and the Taliban.

However, he said, without the involvement of the Afghan government, the dialogue will not be successful.

The ANP leader alleged that former SSP Malir Rao Anwar, who has allegedly killed 444 people, was given protocol and that had proper action been taken against him, the recent incident in Sahiwal would not have taken place.

Earlier, he talked about the life and achievements of Bacha Khan and Abdul Wali Khan, saying both leaders promoted the politics of non-violence and gave a new narrative to people.

He said Bacha Khan and his companions rendered many sacrifices to gain independence from the British.

Dr Khadim Hussain of the Bacha Khan Trust said Bacha Khan was one of the great leaders of the region.

He said his non-violence movement helped people get their basic rights.

Dr Hussain said that at least six PhDs and 200 books have been written on the life and struggles of Bacha Khan.

Senator Sitara Ayaz, other Awami National Party leaders and party supporters attended the event.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2019