PESHAWAR: Awami National Party central president Asfandyar Wali Khan has criticised the foreign policy of Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying he lacks decision-making power and often takes U-turns on important issues.

“Giving award to Indian prime minister by our friendly countries speaks a lot about our status and tells us that Pakistan is becoming isolated in the world,” he told a convention of National Youth Organisation, a body of youth affiliated with ANP, here on Sunday evening.

The ANP chief called upon youth to follow the philosophy of non-violence propagated by Bacha Khan. “War in this region would directly affect youth so we must say no to war,” he said. He advised the youth to follow democratic and political ways to express their ideas.

Asfandyar criticises govt for price hike

The convention was held to inculcate political values and principles in the youth and prepare them to become future leaders.

Mr Khan advised the youth to adopt modern ideas and take interest in information technology as it was important for their progress in that modern age. He criticised foreign policy of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and said that he lacked decision-making power and often took U-turns on important issues.

He also criticised the PTI government for inflation, saying uncontrolled price hike had made life of people miserable. He said that peace in Afghanistan was vital for peace in Pakistan and entire region.

The ANP chief said that war in Kabul would have a direct impact on Pakhtun youth that’s why their elders like Bacha Khan opposed the war. “I also advise youth to follow philosophy of non-violence,” he added.

He also criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using force and violent ways to change ideology of people. “What he is doing in Kashmir with the force of a gun is nothing but terrorism and dangerous,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, NYO president Gulzar Khan called upon youth to get education and adopt peaceful ways of expression and struggle for their rights. ANP provincial president Aimal Wali Khan, general secretary Sardar Babak and Senior vice president Tariq Afghan were also present at the convention and spoke about politics and the role of youth.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2019