Will not take dictation on our politics: Mian Iftikhar Hussain

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that no one should expect us to take dictation from them on our politics and stance.

He said that, in the present circumstances, the clear stance of central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan reflects the party’s 100-year history, its ideological steadfastness and its selfless struggle for the rights of the Pashtun nation.

He said the ANP has always practised politics of principles, ideology and democratic values. It has never compromised, and will never compromise, on its national responsibilities for the sake of power, posts and perks.

No deal on principles

Mian Iftikhar Hussain said politics is not about gaining access to the corridors of power. It is about a continuous struggle for the rights, peace, dignity and sovereignty of one’s people. The history of the Awami National Party is one of sacrifices, imprisonment and political hardship, but no pressure, temptation or opposition has made it abandon its ideology.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s constitutional rights, the NFC Award, the province’s financial dues and lasting peace are not favours from anyone. They are the basic rights of the Pashtun nation. There will be dialogue and cooperation for these rights, but there will be no deal at the cost of principles.

According to him, the measure of our politics is not who sits with us, but how honestly we stand with our people.

Mian Iftikhar Hussain made it clear that the Awami National Party will not give up the legitimate rights of its people out of political opposition to anyone. Nor will it stay silent on its principles to please anyone.

He said the centre of our politics is not power but the achievement of peace, dignity and constitutional rights for our people. This is the path of Bacha Khan, the message of our 100-year struggle and our unwavering resolve.