PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan has alleged that the imposition of governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), apparently on the grounds of deteriorating law and order, is aimed at achieving two objectives: exploiting the province’s mineral resources and paving the way for its de facto division.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, he said the ANP would not budge an inch from its stance on protecting the province’s mineral wealth and ensuring that decisions regarding its ownership, utilisation and distribution were made in the interests of its people.
He maintained that the province’s natural resources were the exclusive right of its people and that decisions concerning them could only be made through their elected government. If there was a proposal to create new provinces, he said, the Constitution already prescribed a mechanism for doing so.
Questions constitutional basis for proposed referendum
Questioning the constitutional basis for the proposed referendum, Mr Khan asked under which provision of the Constitution it would be conducted and whether such an exercise would constitute an unconstitutional move. He also questioned whether those responsible could face proceedings under Article 6 of the Constitution.
The ANP president announced that his party would soon convene a meeting of its think tank to deliberate on the prevailing situation. Following the meeting, all political parties, movements and relevant stakeholders would be invited to discuss the challenges confronting the province and devise a future course of action through collective consultation.
He emphasised that the challenges facing KP could not be tackled by any single political party, calling on all political forces and relevant stakeholders to unite around a common minimum agenda.
Referring to the governor’s recent visit to Wali Bagh, Mr Khan said the ANP had consistently made its position clear at every available forum. He recalled telling the governor that if he genuinely represented the interests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ANP would stand two steps ahead in supporting him.
Mr Khan also expressed concern over the suspension of Article 199 following the imposition of emergency in the province and the decision of the Constitutional Court.
He said the legal fraternity, particularly the Malgari Wakeelan, as well as elected representatives of bar associations and bar councils, had a crucial responsibility to take serious and effective action on the matter.
The ANP president urged all democratic and political forces to play their role in safeguarding the constitutional rights, natural resources, territorial integrity and future of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stressed that setting aside political differences and pursuing a collective struggle based on consensus was the need of the hour.
Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026
