MARDAN: Awami National Party leader Ameer Haider Khan Hoti has said that in view of the recent flood devastation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, all encroachments and obstacles along watercourses and rivers must be immediately removed and a complete ban should be imposed on logging.

Addressing a workers’ convention held in Lund Khwar area here the other day, he said that an international conference must be convened immediately to present Pakistan’s case regarding climate change and environmental hazards.

He urged ANP workers across the province to assist flood victims in every possible way and to keep Bacha Khan Baba’s philosophy alive.

The former chief minister said that reports were emerging that PTI leadership had entered a deal with the government over its leader’s release.

“After Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s rallies, protests, and threats, its leadership has reached the conclusion that nothing is possible without a deal. But we have already made a clear and open agreement with the Pakhtuns that we will go to the last extent to ensure their rights, protection, and a peaceful environment,” he said.

Present on the occasion were Khudai Khidmatgar Organisation, Mardan district president Abdul Aziz Khan, provincial finance secretary Haroon Khan, provincial council members Mian Tahir Advocate and Nasir Khan, as well as a large number of workers and members from all village councils.

He alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur abandoned his workers to face tear gas and baton charge at the rallies which the PTI staged. He said the writ of the government was nowhere to be seen in KP.

He emphasised that for regional peace, it was essential for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve all their issues through meaningful diplomacy and traditional jirgas.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2025