NOWSEHERA: President of the Awami National Party (ANP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, has made it clear that the ANP is not in favour of changing the Gandapur government in the province.
In an exclusive interview with Pakhtun Digital, Mian Iftikhar Hussain reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to democratic norms and constitutional continuity. He stated unequivocally that the ANP does not support any attempts to topple the incumbent provincial government led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
“Any political party that has secured the public mandate should be allowed to complete its constitutional term,” Mian Iftikhar said. “We believe in strengthening democratic institutions, not weakening them through backdoor deals or unconstitutional measures.”
Mian Iftikhar emphasised that even though the ANP is in the opposition, it respects the electoral outcome and upholds the principle of peaceful political transitions through the ballot box, not through political engineering.
“Our disagreement with the PTI on policy matters does not mean we’ll ever support a change in government that bypasses the will of the people,” he remarked. “Democracy must be respected regardless of who is in power.”
Mian Iftikhar also expressed concern over a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the allocation of reserved seats in the provincial assembly. Without directly naming the court’s verdict, he described it as “questionable” and said it posed a threat to the independence of democratic institutions and the sanctity of electoral mandates.
“This decision raises serious questions about judicial impartiality and its potential to erode public trust in democratic systems,” he said. “We must ensure that the judiciary strengthens democracy rather than becoming a tool for political interference.”
The ANP, a secular and progressive party with deep roots in the Pashtun nationalist movement, has long positioned itself as a defender of democratic values in Pakistan. Mian Iftikhar reminded audiences of the party’s consistent opposition to military interventions and unconstitutional takeovers in the country’s history.
“Our record is clear. Whether in 2008 or now, we have always stood with constitutionalism and civilian supremacy,” he stated. “We will continue to resist any forces, civilian or otherwise, that attempt to derail democracy.”
In recent weeks, political instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has intensified amid calls from some quarters to challenge the legitimacy of the current government. However, the ANP’s leadership has taken a principled stance, distancing itself from any such efforts.
Analysts view Mian Iftikhar’s comments as a sign of political maturity and a call for a more stable democratic culture in Pakistan’s volatile political landscape. His remarks come at a time when the country faces heightened polarisation, judicial controversies, and allegations of backdoor political manoeuvring.
As the province and country navigate turbulent political waters, the ANP’s call for stability, respect for mandates, and institutional integrity serves as a reminder that Pakistan’s democratic future depends on consensus, not confrontation.
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