PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party has termed the 18th Constitutional Amendment a “silent revolution” and the foundation of Pakistan’s constitutional and democratic structure, warning that any attempt to “tamper with it” would be resisted.

During a joint meeting of the party’s social media and information secretaries organised by the party’s Peshawar chapter in Tehkal on Thursday, the party’s provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain said the amendment represented the aspirations of the country’s democratic leadership and was achieved through parliamentary struggle under the leadership of Asfandyar Wali Khan.

He said strengthening democracy was the only viable path forward for the country and reiterated that the ANP had always maintained a principled stance in favour of democratic rights and provincial autonomy.

Expressing concern over the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ANP leader said terrorism had spread across the province with no district being “untouched by militant activity”.

Voices concern over rising terrorism in KP

He said the party had consistently opposed terrorism and extremism in all forms and would continue to do so despite threats and security alerts.

“Threats cannot stop us from raising the voice of the nation,” he said, adding that the ANP will continue its struggle for the protection of people’s rights and resources through peaceful and democratic means.

Referring to the growing influence of digital platforms, Mr Hussain said social media and information warfare were increasingly being used globally as political tools, citing recent tensions between the United States and Iran as an example.

He urged party workers, particularly social media activists, to adhere to party discipline, constitutional principles and political decorum while responding to propaganda campaigns.

He also criticised the increasing trend of abusive language and indecent behaviour on social media, saying it is damaging political culture and democratic discourse.

Mr Hussain appreciated the efforts of the party’s social media volunteers, saying they are effectively presenting the ANP’s narrative despite limited resources.

He expressed hope that party activists would continue to promote the party’s message through “reason and civility”.

The meeting was also addressed by ANP leaders Khushdil Khan, Arbab Mohammad Tahir and Ghazanfar Ali Khan.

Party members from various tehsils attended the meeting and presented proposals for strengthening the party’s social media structure.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026