PESHAWAR: Awami National Party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter has asked its organisational bodies to remain fully prepared for upcoming local government elections to claim victory, as its provincial cabinet met here on Wednesday to review political and organisational matters under the chairmanship of provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain.

The meeting was attended by senior party leaders, including Senior Vice President Syed Aqil Shah, General Secretary Hussain Shah Yousafzai and spokesperson Arsalan Khan Nazim, along with other cabinet members.

Addressing the meeting, ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that local government elections could be announced at any time, so there was a need for the party to remain fully prepared at all levels.

He directed party workers to further activate and strengthen organisational structures from village and neighbourhood councils to union councils, tehsil and district levels.

Reviews political, organisational matters

“Organisational gaps in certain districts will soon be addressed,” he said.

The meeting also decided to form provincial-level monitoring committees to visit districts and review organisational performance.

The participants also exchanged views on the overall regional situation. They appreciated Pakistan’s positive role in promoting peace in the region and welcomed its efforts in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and the United States.

Mr Hussain said that the ANP followed the philosophy of non-violence espoused by Bacha Khan and had consistently opposed war, as a source of further complications rather than a solution to problems.

Expressing concern over Pak-Afghan tensions, he said that strained relations were adversely affecting the people and economies of both countries, leading to increased unemployment and inflation. He emphasised that all issues with Afghanistan should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement, adding that friendly and balanced relations with all neighbouring countries were essential.

The meeting also voiced serious concern over the continued closure of Pak-Afghan trade and transit routes. Mr Hussain pointed out that a large number of people living along both sides of the Durand Line depend on trade for their livelihoods and prolonged closures were causing significant economic hardship. He called for the immediate reopening of trade routes from Bajaur to Waziristan and Chaman.

The participants strongly condemned the attacks on the residences of former provincial minister Ayub Khan Ashari and ANP Swat’s senior vice president Mumtaz Ali Khan, demanding that those responsible be brought to justice without delay.

Criticising the provincial government, Mr Hussain said it had failed to ensure peace and good governance in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He added that incidents of terrorism and lawlessness were increasing due to its incompetence.

The ANP leader urged the government to take public issues seriously and work towards their resolution.

He further said that the National Action Plan was a unanimous framework to combat terrorism and that sustainable peace could not be achieved without its full implementation.

Mr Hussain said the ANP would continue its struggle for public rights, peace and democracy at every forum.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2026