BANNU: Awami National Party provincial president Aimal Wali Khan has announced to convene a jirga of elders of merged tribal districts at Bacha Khan Markaz, Peshawar, soon to discuss the issues being faced by the tribal people, adding that ‘peace march’ would be held from Peshawar to Waziristan in coming March.

Addressing a public meeting here at Mirakhel on Wednesday in connection with the death anniversaries of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, Aimal Wali said that ANP was also organising a jirga of Pakhun leaders to discuss the issues confronting Pakhtuns.

He said that the prevailing law and order situation in the country and regrouping of Taliban in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would be taken up for debate and also to seek solution to these issue.

He claimed that Taliban were reappearing in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and posing threat to peace in the region. He added that militants were entering houses of their opponents and making attacks on them. He said that such a practice would not be tolerated anymore.

He alleged that thousands of IDPs were still languishing in camps and other places. He said that the tribal people were being deceived in the name of rehabilitation and repatriation.

He demanded of the government to take immediate steps for honourable return of the displaced people. He warned of starting agitation if swift response was not given in this regard. He also demanded of the government to ensure release of missing persons.

Aimal Wali said that 18th amendment was a gift of ANP for the people and warned of dire consequences if it was changed by any government.

He criticised the provincial government for not protecting the rights of people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He warned to assemble the people at Tarbela and stop electricity supply to Punjab if wheat flour from there was stopped to the province.

The rally was also addressed by MPA Sardar Hussain Babak, Fareed Toofan, Baz Mohammad Khan, ANP district president Timur Baz Khan and others.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2020