KARACHI: The Awami National Party (ANP) on Sunday called for a comprehensive and uniform policy to eliminate terrorism and extremism, rejecting the “state’s past distinction between good and bad militants”.

Addressing a rally, organised by the party’s Sindh chapter to mark the 38th death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (Bacha Khan) and the 20th death anniversary of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, ANP chief Senator Aimal Wali Khan said that if the state has concluded that militants are “khawarij” and a “fitna”, then accountability must also be extended to those who, in the past, facilitated their return and re-settlement in Pakistan.

He also called for harsh punishments for former military and civilian leaders who were responsible for bringing militants back and resettling them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which had resulted in the current security situation.

He said that repeated military operations had failed to eradicate terrorism, arguing that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could only be achieved through a coordinated, people-centric policy formulated by the federal government, the KP government and all stakeholders.

Aimal Wali blames former military, political leaders for prevailing security situation in KP

“Operations are not a permanent solution. Terrorism is the real problem but over 50 operations have not delivered lasting peace,” he said.

Rejecting any linkage between Pashtuns and militancy, the ANP senator said Pashtuns were peace-loving, asserting they had no association with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan or any extremist ideology.

He expressed concern over the situation in Tirah, calling for an end to displacement in the name of security operations and criticised both the federal and provincial governments for “neglect and misgovernance”.

The ANP leader also stressed the need to strengthen the 18th Constitutional Amendment and establish a truly empowered local government system, arguing that public issues could only be resolved by devolving powers at grassroots level and extending NFC Award principles to local bodies.

Commenting on foreign policy, he questioned Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Peace Board without taking the parliament into confidence, demanding clarity on how the move would benefit both Pakistan and the Palestinian people.

On the recent Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi, the ANP leader described it as a reflection of systemic decay and corruption. He urged political parties, particularly the PPP and MQM, to avoid blame game and instead focus on relief and justice for the victims’ families.

Reaffirming ANP’s commitment to Karachi, he said the party was ready to work with all stakeholders for the city’s development and harmony.

ANP Sindh President Shahi Syed, in his speech, said Bacha Khan’s message was of peace and non-violence and therefore the ANP’s politics had always been rooted in democracy and loyalty to Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2026