PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) Central President Senator Aimal Wali Khan has warned that any attempt to alter the constitutional status, geographical boundaries or administrative identity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would have serious consequences.
Addressing the issue of possible changes to the province’s territorial or administrative structure, Aimal Wali Khan said those dreaming of dividing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were “living in a fool’s paradise.”
“Not even a tehsil, let alone a village council, can be separated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said, reiterating that the ANP’s position on the identity, historical status and rights of the province and its people was clear.
He warned that the ANP would not only oppose any move to alter the province’s constitutional status or geographical unity but would also offer strong resistance to such an initiative.
Aimal Wali Khan said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was not the personal property of any individual, government or institution to be divided according to its wishes.
He said that the province is a reflection of the history, culture and identity of the Pashtun nation and any unconstitutional change in its geographical or administrative shape will be viewed as a violation of their rights and identity as a nation.
Aimal Wali Khan, who is a leader of ANP, said that decisions related to geography or administrative structure of a province cannot be made based on personal wishes or temporary benefits of political organizations or influential personalities.
He argued that Pakistan was a federation comprising different nationalities, federating units and identities, and that weakening the historical existence and identity of any one nationality or federating unit would ultimately weaken the federation itself.
“Any such move would harm Pakistan’s federal spirit, constitutional structure and national unity,” he said.
Aimal Wali Khan further said those seeking to divide Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or arbitrarily change its geographical and administrative status should understand the potential consequences for the country’s unity.
He said the ANP’s historical position and vision regarding administrative boundaries and federating units were also clear. The party’s think tank, central cabinet, central working committee and central council would soon discuss the issue, after which the proposal would be developed into an organised political movement with the approval of the relevant party forums.
He reiterated that the ANP would not compromise on the unity, identity or constitutional status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and would not accept any step that undermined the province’s historical identity, geographical unity or constitutional position.
Aimal Wali Khan also called on Pashtuns, Sindhis, Baloch, Saraikis, Kashmiris and Gilgit-Baltistan communities to remain vigilant and strengthen democratic, constitutional and political efforts to protect their identities, historical rights and national existence.
He believes that Pakistan can be made strong by guaranteeing rights and dignity of all communities rather than eliminating their identities.
