By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
CHARSADDA: The Awami National Party (ANP) organized a large public rally in Charsadda to mark the 38th death anniversary of legendary Pashtun leader Bacha Khan, drawing thousands of party workers, leaders, and citizens.
The event featured speeches from ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain, former Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti, and central president Aimal Wali Khan.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain highlighted Bacha Khan’s lifelong struggle for education, non-violence, and national progress. He recalled the establishment of over 130 schools and Bacha Khan’s 38 years of imprisonment for the cause of Muslims. Hussain expressed concern over rising terrorism in the province, noting that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently under its 24th major military operation. He criticized the government’s policies, emphasizing that negotiations and dialogue, unlike past ANP-led efforts, are being neglected, resulting in further bloodshed and suffering for the Pashtun people.
Former Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti countered claims that ANP had lost public support, pointing to the rally’s massive turnout as evidence of continued relevance. He criticized the provincial administration for inefficiencies, incomplete development projects, selling of university lands, and shortages in healthcare facilities.
Central ANP president Aimal Wali Khan reaffirmed the party’s commitment to Bacha Khan’s philosophy of peaceful political struggle. He spoke about the plight of displaced Pashtun families in Khyber and Tirah, calling for the cessation of military operations and their safe return home. Wali Khan stressed the need for the state to distinguish between terrorists and strategic assets and demanded accountability for those who glorify terrorism, naming senior officials he held responsible.
On foreign policy, Wali Khan urged Pakistan to maintain neutrality in the Gaza conflict, insisted that Palestinians resolve their own issues, and criticized restrictions on trade with Afghanistan while highlighting continued trade with India.
Addressing upcoming elections, Wali Khan alleged manipulation, rigging, and misuse of public funds, while calling for extending voting rights to tax-paying 18-year-olds. He stressed the importance of youth employment, education, and safeguarding local government votes, asserting that the Pashtun community plays a key role in Pakistan’s development and stability.
The rally concluded with party workers pledging to continue Bacha Khan’s struggle for the rights, welfare, and progress of the Pashtun people.
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