PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party provincial president Aimal Wali Khan has urged the government to play neutral role in the crisis arising out of the targeting of an Iranian general in Iraq by the US.

This he said while speaking at a press conference at Bacha Khan Markaz here on Monday. Former provincial minister Farid Toofan rejoined the ANP on the occasion.

The ANP leader said people were still facing consequences of the Afghan war, adding the government should play neutral role to help reduce the US-Iran tensions.

Aimal Wali said targeting of the Iran’s general in Iraq by the US was an act of terrorism. He said the ANP was against terrorism wherever it occurred.

He said the US was taking illogical and illegitimate steps to prove its dominance which was totally wrong. He said the escalating tension between Tehran and Washington could lead the world to another world war.

Commenting on amendments to the rules concerning extension of the army chief, the ANP leader said his party’s stance was that the parliament should take a decision on the matter. The ANP, he claimed always believed in politics of principles.

He said the parliament taking decisions was meant to strengthen democracy.

Earlier, Aimal Wali welcomed Farid Toofan into the party fold and said he had long served the party.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2020