Our Correspondent
TAKHT BHAI
Central leader of the Awami National Party (ANP) and former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Haider Khan Hoti, said the ANP as the genuine representative of Pashtun rights, highlighting the party’s historic efforts in achieving provincial autonomy and strengthening democratic institutions.
Addressing a large gathering at a workers’ convention in Takht Bhai, Hoti said that during its tenure, the ANP laid the foundation for economic stability and comprehensive development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stated that the eradication of terrorism from the province was made possible due to the ANP’s clear policies and sacrifices. “The 60-year deprivation of Mardan district was addressed during the ANP government, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in its 13-year rule, promoted corruption, embezzlement, and mismanagement,” he alleged.
Referring to allegations by PTI’s own Speaker regarding corruption exceeding Rs 500 billion, he accused PTI of irregularities in key projects including Malam Jabba, BRT, Billion Tree Tsunami, Sehat Card, and mosque solarization schemes.
Amir Haider Khan Hoti called on ANP workers to begin preparations for the upcoming elections, asserting that the future belongs to the ANP.
He urged them to mobilize public support by raising awareness about the party’s manifesto and long-standing commitment to democratic values.
He strongly criticized the federal government’s proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, calling it unconstitutional and an attack on the 18th Amendment.
Former CM Hoti reaffirmed ANP’s demand for full provincial control over natural resources, as guaranteed under the Constitution. He accused the federal government of attempting to roll back hard-won provincial rights and declared the bill unacceptable.
Speaking about the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Hoti praised it as a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s political history.
He credited the ANP’s leadership, particularly Asfandyar Wali Khan, for their pivotal role in passing the amendment unanimously in 2010, ensuring greater provincial autonomy, issuance of the NFC Award, restoration of provincial identity, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
He further alleged that PTI’s government in KP has failed to deliver on its promises and is responsible for widespread corruption and institutional decay.
He accused PTI of attempting to illegally occupy university lands and pledged that ANP, with public support, would strongly resist such actions, which he termed as an assault on educational institutions.
Former provincial candidate Nawabzada Sher Afghan Khan, Mian Muhammad Tahir Advocate, Ayub Yousafzai, and other party officials also spoke on the occasion.
