PESHAWAR, Sept 27: Speakers at two separate functions paid tribute to former Afghan president Dr Najibullah on the occasion of his 16th death anniversary on Thursday and recalled his services for the wellbeing of his people. They asked Pakhtuns to seek a permanent solution to wars in the region.

In this connection, Awami National Party arranged a function at Bacha Khan Markaz which besides information minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain was addressed by ANP’s central leader Tajuddin Khan, provincial general secretary Arbab Tahir, secretary information Ghulam Mustafa, Mian Mushtaq and Bashir Sherpao.

The minister said that Dr Najeeb was the man who lived his life for the cause of Pakhtuns, but never bowed before sinister elements. He said that the former president was true follower of philosophy of non-violence of Bacha Khan.

He said that the killing of Dr Najib was a black chapter of the history, as he worked for the rights and unity of Pakhtuns throughout his life. For this he would be remembered for ever, he said and added that they would follow the footprints of Dr Najib.

Mr Hussain said that Pakhtuns had been the victim of conspiracies from last three decades, but no one could remove them from this land.

Another function in connection with Dr Najib’s death anniversary was held in Peshawar Press Club under the aegis of National Party  and Democratic Students Federation. Those who spoke on the occasion included Nazeef Khan, Mukhtar Bacha, Kifayat Ali, Said Alam, Shamim Shahid, Aqeel Yousufzai and Idrees Kamal.

They expressed concern over the bloodshed in Afghanistan and Pakistan during past three decades and asked the relevant people to learn a lesson from it. They said that former Afghan president always avoided action against his opponents and tried to resolve issues through negotiations. —Bureau Report