DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) Central Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sardar Hussain Babak has strongly condemned the alleged shelling and firing by police on a protest demonstration organized by the Bara Political Alliance against unrest and terrorism.
In a statement, he termed the use of force against protesters “regrettable and condemnable,” saying that those raising their voices for peace were targeted instead of being heard. He maintained that the people of Pakhtunkhwa are peace-loving and reject all forms of terrorism, extremism and violence.
Babak questioned the provincial leadership, asking what message was being conveyed by the alleged action against residents of the Chief Minister’s native district. He said that the use of force against citizens already affected by unrest, extortion and terrorism reflected the failure of the provincial government.
He further alleged that the action against protesters was evidence of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) acting as a “political wing of terrorists,” adding that the constitutional and democratic right to peaceful protest could not be taken away from the people.
The ANP leader said the situation in the province had become increasingly insecure, while the government was focusing on suppressing public voices instead of restoring peace. He demanded that authorities end any facilitation of militant elements and take immediate steps to improve law and order.
Paying tribute to the participants of the Khyber district protest, Babak praised their “courage and resilience” despite difficulties, and reiterated that police should avoid the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. He urged that all efforts be directed towards eliminating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in the province.
