TIMERGARA, Sept 13: Rejecting the politics of nationalism in the country, Pakistan People’s Party-Sherpao leaders announced on Thursday that their party would introduce ‘neo-nationalism’ in order to unite all Pakhtuns.
They were speaking at a workers’ convention at Gulabad Adenzai. PPP-S central general secretary Bakht Baidar, labour wing chairman Faqir Hussain, Chitral district president Abdul Wali Khan, Dir Lower president Mohammad Umar and others spoke on the occasion.
They alleged that the present rulers and so-called champions of Pakhtuns’ rights had been busy in destroying the nationality for US dollars. “The PPP-S is planning to introduce the ideology of neo-nationalism in Pakistan,” Mr Hussain said and added that party chief Aftab Sherpao would announce it soon.
He said that the politics of nationalism was hurting Pakistan, as PML-N had been working for Punjabis, MQM and Sindh nationalists for Sindhis, Baolch leaders for greater Balochistan, while Pakhtuns had been divided in those of south, north and tribal areas.
He criticised the ANP for accepting the name of ‘Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ for the province. “We want ownership of our resources; and provincial autonomy given under the 18th amendment is not its solution,” the labourers’ leader said, adding that most of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s resources were still in grip of the centre.
The PPP-S leaders alleged that the PPP and ANP had been insulting Pakhtun women in the name of BISP and Bacha Khan Khapal Rozgar schemes.
“Our mothers and daughters observing strict purdah are seen standing in long queues for getting different cards and alms,” Mr Baidar said. He said that after Punjabis, the Pakhtun were the second largest nationality in Pakistan, but they had been divided into sections.
He claimed that the PPP-S was the real representative political force of Pakhtuns. The PPP-S leaders condemned the lawmakers from the district, saying they had been ignoring welfare of people.
RAY OF HOPE: Tehrik Tahafuz-i-Pakistan’s Malakand division chairman Rahimullah said on Thursday that Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan was the only ray of hope for the nation, who could steer the country out of present turmoil.
Speaking at a press conference at Chakdara press club, Mr Rahimullah praised Dr Khan for establishing the tehrik.
“Every Pakistani wants to see him leading the nation,” he said, adding that people of Malakand would welcome Dr Khan as their political leader. He urged people to join A.Q. Khan’s movement for a better Pakistan.