SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: All the major political parties have withdrawn support from the Waziristan Olasi Pasoon movement, saying that the platform was being used by some elements for their vested interests.

Leaders of Awami National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamaat-i-Islami, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, National Democratic Movement and Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party made the decision during a meeting in Wana on Tuesday.

The parties were represented by Ayaz Wazir, Ashfaq Wazir, Imran Mukhlis, Asghar Wazir, Nadeem Amir, Khayal Mohammad, Ziaul Haq, Hamayun, Haroon and Ajmal Khan Advocate.

The participants adopted a resolution, claiming that Waziristan Olasi Pasoon was formed when the area was in the grip of militancy and to help restore peace in the region.

They said that now the rule of law had been restored in Lower South Waziristan district, and as such all the political parties were no longer part of Olasi Pasoon.

A statement issued after the meeting said that the political parties would continue to push for provision of education, health facilities and establishment of rule of law in the area.

The political activists demanded that the Angoor Adda border crossing should be given the status of a transit route so that trade activities could be promoted in the region.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2024