Peshawar: Awami National Party (ANP) President Aimal Wali Khan has written an open letter to President Asif Ali Zardari, expressing deep concerns over the worsening security situation, rising terrorism and Human rights violations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He has demanded a joint session of Parliament to address the ongoing crisis in both provinces.
Aimal Wali Khan highlighted that the people of these regions have been suffering from terrorism for decades, continuously facing new challenges due to state policies. He pointed out that several districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are under the grip of violence, with the government having lost complete control. Terrorists are operating freely, engaging in target killings and attacks that have become routine. Security personnel, including police, Levies, and FC soldiers, as well as innocent civilians, are being killed in large numbers.
The ANP leader criticized the government and security agencies for their total failure in taking effective measures against terrorism.
He stated that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are now living in fear, and the worsening situation has led to frustration, uncertainty, and a growing sense of deprivation. He warned that if this crisis is not addressed, Balochistan could soon face a similar fate.
Aimal Wali Khan reminded the state that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people have endured five decades of bloodshed, losing their loved ones, homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Despite their sacrifices, their suffering has never been acknowledged.
He emphasized that during ANP’s tenure from 2008 to 2012, the party, in alliance with the Pakistan People's Party, took a firm political stand against terrorism. ANP leaders and workers paid a heavy price, with over 1,300 members, including Bashir Ahmad Bilour, MPA Dr. Shamsher, MPA Alamzeb, Mian Iftikhar Hussain’s son Mian Rashid Hussain, and Haroon Bilour, being martyred. Yet, even after these sacrifices, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains neglected by both the federal and provincial governments.
He accused the 2018 government and the then-military leadership of executing a dangerous plan to rehabilitate terrorists in the province. Without consulting the people or stakeholders, secret negotiations were conducted, leading to the resettlement of over 40,000 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Additionally, 102 dangerous terrorists were released with a single presidential signature. The ANP had strongly opposed this move at the time, warning of its disastrous consequences. Today, those warnings have turned into reality.
Aimal Wali Khan lamented that once again, children fear going to school, and public spaces such as markets, mosques, seminaries, and educational institutions are no longer safe. Daily terrorist attacks are occurring from Bajaur to Waziristan, Bannu, Shangla, and other districts. Both the federal and provincial governments have proven to be completely powerless in dealing with this crisis. He questioned why, while other provinces thrive with sports and cultural activities, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to bury its dead.
The ANP leader demanded answers from the state: Why has Khyber Pakhtunkhwa been abandoned to terrorists? Why are Pashtuns treated as expendable? Why do the government and security agencies remain silent despite knowing about the presence of terrorists? Why is there no effective security policy? He condemned the suppression of those who raise their voices for peace, arguing that instead of taking action against terrorists and their facilitators, cases are being filed against peace activists.
He warned that this indifference and continued neglect will only deepen the sense of deprivation among the people, leading to dangerous consequences. The situation in Balochistan is no different, where civilians, security personnel, and political workers are under constant attack from terrorists and armed groups. Enforced disappearances, illegal detentions, and frequent terrorist incidents have intensified public insecurity. Despite their demands for justice, peace, and development, the people of Balochistan are repeatedly silenced.
Aimal Wali Khan stressed that the time for empty statements is over; urgent and concrete action is needed. He demanded that under Article 54 of the Constitution, a joint parliamentary session be convened, where the military leadership must provide a detailed briefing on the current security crisis. The session must examine the reasons behind the resurgence of terrorists and the consequences of past state policies.
He urged the government to end its policy of neglect toward Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and take immediate steps to ensure security, employment, and basic facilities for the people.
The ANP president further called for full transparency regarding the so-called “resettlement policy” of militants and demanded that all those responsible for rehabilitating terrorists be held accountable under the National Action Plan.
He insisted that there must be no distinction between "good" and "bad" terrorists—terrorism in all forms must be crushed.
He warned that if the state fails to protect the Pashtun and Baloch people, the consequences will be catastrophic for the entire country. He concluded by stating that the people of these provinces must be assured that they are not alone and that the state stands with them in their struggle for peace and security.
