PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party has announced it will observe the International Day of Non-Violence on Oct 2 by holding special events in parts of the country and abroad.

In a statement, ANP central president Asfandyar Wali Khan said the basic purpose of marking the day was to create awareness of the philosophy of Abdul Ghaffar Khan alias Bacha Khan.

He said adherence to the non-violence philosophy of Bacha Khan could help the country come out of the current crisis.

The ANP leader directed the party’s office-bearers in different provinces and abroad to organise special events, seminars, walks and conferences on Oct 2.

He said the philosophy of Bacha Khan got worldwide popularity as he had always opposed violence and advocated peace.

“Peaceful struggle for own rights was very difficult but Bacha Khan stood firm with his philosophy and ANP is strictly following his mission despite the passage of many decades,” he said.

Mr Asfandyar said the ANP would continue its peaceful struggle for rights of the people and that the policy of non-violence was the only way to defeat terrorism and extremism.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2020