PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Sunday described April 19 as a milestone in Pakistan’s democratic history, marking the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

In a statement, the ANP central president Senator Aimal Wali khan said the day symbolised not just a constitutional change but a long struggle, sacrifices and unwavering commitment. He added that the amendment ensured rights and autonomy for provinces and granted identity to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mr Khan paid tributes to Asfandyar Wali Khan and his associates for their leadership and vision, stating that their political struggle played a key role in making the historic constitutional development possible. He also acknowledged the contributions of eleven members of parliament who played an active role in the amendment’s approval.

He said the amendment reflected the ideology inherited from Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Khan Abdul Wali Khan, adding that it strengthened the federal structure of Pakistan by granting provinces greater control over their resources and decision-making, thereby addressing longstanding grievances.

Says April 19 symbol of provincial autonomy, democratic struggle

Mr Khan noted that the renaming of the former North-West Frontier Province to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was another significant milestone achieved through the same struggle. He reiterated that it had long been the party’s demand that the people of a region should have the primary right over its resources.

He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in efforts to establish peace in the region, saying thousands of ANP workers, leaders and their families had rendered sacrifices for the cause. He added that these sacrifices demonstrated the party’s unwavering commitment to peace, democracy and constitutional supremacy.

Reaffirming his party’s resolve, Mr Khan said the ANP would continue to carry forward the mission of its predecessors and strive for a Pakistan where provinces are strong, resources belong to the people and all citizens have equal access to peace, education and development.

He warned that any attempt to undermine the 18th Amendment would amount to an attack on the federation, adding that the ANP would defend it at every constitutional, democratic and political forum.

Mr Khan concluded by saying the day served not only as a reminder of past achievements but also as a renewed commitment to continue the struggle with greater strength and consistency.

Meanwhile, ANP provincial President Mian Iftikhar Hussain in a separate statement on Sunday termed the 18th Constitutional Amendment a landmark in Pakistan’s constitutional history and his party will protect it at all costs.

He said that the amendment guaranteed provincial autonomy and recognised the identity of the Pashtun people.

In his message on the 16th anniversary of the amendment, he said that on April 19, 2010, under the 18th Amendment, the name of the then North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) was officially changed to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, fulfilling a long-standing demand rooted in the political struggle of the Pashtun nation.

Mr Hussain said the struggle for recognition was initiated by Bacha Khan and was carried forward through practical politics by the ANP over several decades. He added that the historic achievement of the 18th Amendment was made possible under the leadership of Asfandyar Wali Khan, while the ongoing struggle for provincial autonomy, constitutional supremacy and Pashtun rights continues under the leadership of ANP president Aimal Wali Khan.

He noted that the amendment significantly strengthened provincial autonomy by devolving key sectors including education, health and culture to the provinces. It also revitalised the Council of Common Interests and ensured a fair distribution of resources through the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award.

Mr Hussain further said that presidential powers were curtailed, thereby reinforcing the parliamentary system in the country. He added that although the party’s original demand was for the name “Pakhtunkhwa,” it accepted the inclusion of “Khyber” in the spirit of national reconciliation.

He described the 18th Amendment as a shining example of constitutional supremacy, democratic stability and provincial empowerment, emphasising that the ANP had played a pivotal role in its passage.

Reaffirming his party’s commitment, Mr Hussain said that the struggle would continue for the protection of provincial autonomy, ownership of resources, establishment of peace and the constitutional and democratic rights of the Pashtun people.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026