PESHAWAR: Awami National Party has held the United States responsible for the current uncertain situation in Afghanistan, saying Pakistan should change its pro-US policy to play an effective role in restoration of sustainable peace in the region.

According to a statement, these views were expressed by ANP central general secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain while addressing a gathering on the occasion of 11th death anniversary of his son Mian Rashid Husssain in Pabbi tehsil of Nowshera.

Besides political workers, local elders attended the event to take part in Quran Khwani and pay homage to the departed soul.

Earlier, Rashid Shaeed Foundation managing director Mian Mohammad Zubair and Tabbasum Shams Katuzai talked about the activities of the charity organisation.

Mian Iftikhar said that he as (former) provincial information minister had followed the state narrative for survival of the country and restoration of peace and as result his son was martyred by terrorists.

He said it was state’s responsibility to pursue the case of his son but he himself had to follow it in the court. He said that efforts were being made to release the killer.

The ANP leader said he could not forget the people, who offered sacrifices of lives in the war against terrorism.

“We have raised voice for all martyrs and are still supporting the victims’ families in the hour of need,” he said.

He added that it was state’s responsibility to take action against the terrorists otherwise no one in future would dare to follow the state narrative.

About the prevailing uncertain situation in Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan should avoid appeasing the US and devise a clear foreign policy to play its role for restoration of peace in the region.

He said that Pakistan should take pragmatic initiatives for an end to the bloodshed in Afghanistan. He said that America was responsible for the existing chaotic situation in Afghanistan as it entered the country after the 9/11 to hit hard the terrorists but it left the war-torn country in a situation that led to infighting.

Mr Hussain said that Afghan government was ignored in the peace negotiations in Qatar and Taliban were encouraged that led to further disorder in the country.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2021