PESHAWAR: Awami National Party central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan has said that the problems facing the Pakhtun population cannot be resolved through the formation of militias or armed groups, stressing that peaceful constitutional and political struggle remains the only viable path to securing rights and lasting development.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr Khan said the ANP firmly believed in working within the constitutional framework of the state and rejected any attempt to challenge state authority through the use of force.

The ANP chief said that in any civilised society, the authority to use force and bear arms should rest solely with the state.

He argued that the proliferation of non-state armed groups and private militias had significantly contributed to the instability and challenges faced by the country, particularly in the Pakhtun region.

Stresses education, constitutional framework to address issues

Mr Khan said his party strongly opposed any encouragement or support for non-state actors and armed groups.

He warned that the creation of militias in the name of bringing change would ultimately harm the Pakhtun community itself by disrupting businesses, livelihoods and social life while undermining its long-standing intellectual and cultural foundations.

“Instead of discussing militias, serious attention should be paid to identifying sustainable solutions to our genuine problems,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of education, Mr Khan said the Pakhtun community could not progress without embracing modern knowledge and equipping young people with the intellectual tools needed to resist extremist ideologies.

“The only path to development in today’s world is the knowledge economy. Unless we connect with the outside world through modern education and skills, we will not be able to overcome our current crises and challenges,” he said.

Referring to the situation in Balochistan, he clarified that the party had no links with any armed or separatist Baloch organisation engaged in conflict with the state.

However, he expressed concern over incidents involving the burning of vehicles belonging to Pakhtuns and attacks on unarmed labourers working in mines in Balochistan.

He condemned such acts and called for immediate action within the framework of law and state institutions.

Mr Khan maintained that it was not the responsibility of citizens to take up arms for their protection.

“When citizens fulfil their legal obligations and pay taxes, it becomes the constitutional responsibility of the state to protect their lives, property and livelihoods,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026