PESHAWAR: Awami National Party has condemned the murder of its Balochistan secretary information Asad Khan Achakzai and announced that the party would observe three-day mourning to press the government for arrest of the killers.

Party’s president Asfandyar Wali Khan and central senior vice-president Amir Haider Khan Hoti in their separate statements here on Saturday demanded probe into murder of the ANP’s provincial spokesman.

Mr Asfandyar said that ANP had raised voice against the kidnapping of Asad Achakzai, but the government failed to take practical steps for his safe recovery.

“ANP held protest rallies and sought help from judiciary through a petition in the Balochistan High Court, but to no avail,” he said.

He said his party had offered matchless sacrifices of its leaders and workers in the war on terror for restoration of peace in the country. He said Asad Achakzai, who was murdered by unknown people, had been kidnapped four months ago. He also contacted ANP Balochistan president Asghar Khan Achakzai and condoled with him over the death of his brother.

Mr Hoti said it was the state’s responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the citizens. He asked the ANP workers to remain peaceful and wait till next line of action of the party.

Meanwhile, ANP provincial president Aimal Wali Khan announced that funeral in absentia of the slain leader would be held at Bacha Khan Markaz at 11am on Sunday (today). He asked his party workers to observe three-day mourning.

“We will not bow down to any pressure and will continue raising voice for the rights of oppressed people,” Aimal Wali said.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021