MARDAN: Awami National Party central leader Ameer Haider Khan Hoti said here on Thursday that the decision to launch military operation in Tirah was made during the tenure of former chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Talking to journalists after felicitating the newly-elected cabinet of Mrdan Press Club, he said that attempts were being made to conceal facts Tirah operation. He alleged that Sohail Afridi was made chief minister under a policy of pressure and confrontation, which led to further deterioration instead of improving the situation.

Mr Hoti said that nation was not taken into confidence about Tirah operation. He said that chief minister was expressing ignorance about a serious issue like terrorism.

He said that both federal and provincial governments were showing ignorance about the matter, though the reality was evident to all. “Such an approach is dangerous for national security,” he added.

He said that the issue of Tirah operation was being politicised. “Politics over a sensitive issue like terrorism must be stopped immediately. No consensus-based national narrative has been formed regarding terrorists, which has further complicated the situation,” he added.

Mr Hoti stated that due to the absence of a clear and comprehensive plan, Pakistan, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was suffering severe losses. He warned that the writ of the state was weakening while terrorists were growing stronger. “It is an alarming situation,” he added.

He said that the politics of protests and street movements had severely affected law and order in the province. He said that incidents like May 9 had also caused irreparable damage to the country.

The ANP leader said that in the pursuit of popularity and acceptance, state system was damaged. “Its negative effects are being felt now,” he said.

He said that the country could not be run through bitterness and confrontation. He said that all politicians and stakeholders must sit together and engage in a serious dialogue to resolve issues so that the country could once again move toward peace and stability.

Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2026