CHARSADDA: Awami National Party (ANP) central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan has called for an end to ‘political discrimination’ in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging that all political parties be treated equally and held accountable under the same standards.
In a statement issued from Wali Bagh here on Sunday, he raised questions about the political and electoral processes in 2013, 2018 and 2024, calling for impartial investigations into allegations of electoral manipulation, political interference and the alleged suppression of political opponents.
Criticising the political role of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), Mr Khan questioned whether the party had been held accountable for allegations of harassment of citizens, actions against political opponents and attempts to sideline rivals when it was in power.
He said the conduct of all political parties should be scrutinised without favouritism, adding that no party should be exempted from accountability because of its popularity or political sacrifices.
Referring to the 2013 general elections, the ANP leader questioned whether allegations of suppressing political opponents and keeping them away from the electoral and political process had been properly investigated.
He said past political developments should not be overlooked and called for an impartial assessment to establish the facts.
He also raised questions about alleged actions against political parties and leaders during the 2018 general elections, stressing that all stakeholders should be asked to account for their roles in the electoral process and political decisions.
Regarding the 2024 general elections, Senator Khan called for accountability over allegations of electoral rigging and political interference.
He maintained that the same standards of transparency and accountability should apply to every political party, irrespective of its political standing.
The ANP president further questioned whether references to political martyrdom or sacrifices could be used to shield any party or leader from scrutiny.
He said democratic principles required equal application of the law and consistent standards of accountability. Political differences, he added, should not be turned into personal enmities, while democratic values and the rule of law must be upheld.
Senator Khan emphasised that a non-partisan review of electoral processes, political decisions and the conduct of political parties across different periods was necessary to promote transparency, justice and public confidence in the political system.
Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2026
