The President of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, stated that the ANP has resolutely chosen to confront terrorism at every juncture in its history.
In his recent remarks, Mian Iftikhar Hussain emphasised that they have mourned the loss of their elders, youth, workers, and leaders in the quest for peace, yet have never wavered in their commitment to their ideology. He highlighted that figures such as Haroon Bilour, Bashir Bilour, and Maulana Khanzeb Shaheed, along with more than 1,200 other martyrs, have given their lives as a testament that this nation desires peace and seeks justice for its resources.
He poignantly noted that his son, Rashid Hussain, is among these martyrs. Rashid, a bright and educated young man, was appointed as the chairman of the Peshawar Development Authority immediately after graduating from university. Tragically, he was targeted simply because he was the son of a man who stood firm against terrorism. His death was a punishment for his father’s resolve, but it only strengthened their struggle.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain, who adheres to the philosophy of Fakhr-e-Afghan Bacha Khan, affirmed that he remains in the field with the same courage, independence, and determination. He remarked that even after fifteen years, when he sees Rashid’s picture, he is reminded not only of his son but also of a promise, an ideology, and the sacrifices made for the sake of peace.
He acknowledged that the shadow of terrorism still looms over their homeland, but reaffirmed that their position is unwavering: they have been, are, and will continue to be advocates of peace.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain announced that they plan to formally commemorate the 15th anniversary of Rashid Hussain’s martyrdom after the National Peace Jirga, which is scheduled for July 26. He mentioned that they are currently busy preparing for the jirga, as it is part of the same mission for which Rashid sacrificed his life.
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