PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain has criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for not announcing local government elections, terming it a deviation from democratic process.

In a statement, he said that an effective, empowered and functional local government system was need of the hour in the province, but the “incompetent provincial government” was avoiding the process.

Mr Hussain alleged that during the previous local government tenure, the provincial government had “mocked the system” and deceived people. He claimed that after facing a crushing defeat, the ruling party deprived other elected representatives of funds and powers throughout their term.

He said when elected local representatives protested to secure their constitutional rights, they were subjected to “brutal violence”, which he described as a clear violation of democratic norms.

The ANP leader reiterated that his party had always supported autonomous, empowered and strong local governments. “Without a robust local government system, neither can democracy be strengthened nor can public issues be resolved in a sustainable manner,” he added.

He directed office-bearers and workers of ANP to continue preparations for the upcoming local government elections and activate party structures at grassroots level in all districts.

He urged ANP workers to raise awareness among people about their rights and ensure that the party’s message reached every household. He said that ANP would continue its struggle at all levels for the rights of people, peace and control over resources.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026