LAHORE, Feb 12: The Awami National Party, which has hitherto supported the PPP government, hints at reviewing the relationship in the post-indictment scenario.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is appearing in court to face the contempt charges on Monday (today).

“Since we opted for becoming the coalition partner of the PPP government, we wholeheartedly supported it to ensure an effective democratic system. And we still stand by the PPP as top leaders led by Asfandyar Wali Khan will accompany the premier to the apex court. However, the ANP leadership may review its strategy in keeping with the demand of post-indictment situation,” ANP Central Executive Committee member Sohail Akhtar Malik told Dawn on Sunday.

He said as the party chief (Asfandyar Wali) was among various petitioners who had challenged the National Reconciliation Ordinance and sought a ruling declaring it null and void, any judicial verdict must be honoured.

“The ANP leadership is of the view that everyone should implement the court verdict in letter and spirit,” he said.

The ANP leaders including Asfandyar Wali and Federal Minister for Railways Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour were expected to accompany the prime minister to court, said Mr Malik, party’s former Punjab president.

Talking about the ANP role in maintaining peace in Karachi, he said the party had always strived for it. “Peace in Karachi remains our priority number one and we oppose anti-state activities in the city. Anyone disrupting peace in Karachi should be taken to task irrespective of his affiliations,” he said.

He claimed that the ANP was the only national party that had offered sacrifice of its 600 workers including three MPAs and local leaders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Karachi for democracy.

He said party founder Bacha Khan had always preached peace and struggled throughout his life for democracy and rule of law. “By following in the footsteps of our founder, we will always be ready to offer any sort of sacrifice for peace and democracy in the country,” he pledged.