PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that his party will not accept ‘dictation’ of anyone in determining its political course or position.

He said that unequivocal stance of ANP central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan reflected the party’s century-old political tradition, ideological commitment and struggle for the rights of Pakhtuns.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Mr Hussain said that ANP had always pursued politics based on principles, ideology and democratic values. He said that the party had never compromised its national responsibilities for power, positions or privileges.

“Politics is not about gaining access to the corridors of power. It is about a sustained struggle for rights of people, peace, dignity and autonomy,” he said.

He said that ANP’s history was marked by sacrifices, imprisonment and political hardships, but no pressure, inducement or opposition had ever forced the party to abandon its ideology.

The ANP leader said that constitutional rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, its share under National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, outstanding financial dues and lasting peace were not favours being sought from anyone, but the fundamental rights of Pakhtuns.

“These rights require dialogue as well as cooperation, but there will be no compromise on principles,” he said.

Mr Hussain said that the yardstick of the party’s politics was not as to who sat with it, but how honestly it stood by its people.

He made it clear that ANP would neither abandon the legitimate rights of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in opposition to any political group, nor remain silent on its principles to please anyone.

“Our politics is centred not on power, but on securing peace, dignity and constitutional rights for our people,” he said, adding that it was the path of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, the message of the party’s century-long struggle and its unwavering commitment.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2026