PESHAWAR: The Provincial President of the Awami National Party, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, has said that the treatment of unwell prisoners in jail is the government’s responsibility. Every imprisoned individual, including Imran Khan, deserves the best possible medical care, and the attending physician should determine the appropriate treatment based on the patient’s medical history.
Speaking at a news conference in Peshawar, Mian Iftikhar Hussain stated that the issue of meetings between prisoners and their families should not be turned into a public spectacle. He recalled his own experiences as a political prisoner in 1983, when he faced significant difficulties. He noted that the founding chairman has met with lawyers, family members, and various individuals multiple times.
He remarked on the importance of opening the Afghan border to facilitate trade. Despite the current strained relations with India, trade continues at the Wagah border, which remains open.
He pointed out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has incurred a loss of two and a half billion rupees due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan border, despite the fact that relations with Afghanistan have been contentious for decades.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain advocated for resolving issues through negotiations rather than war. He urged mediators involved in the Pak-Afghan relations to take steps to reopen the border, noting that Afghanistan did not take a side during the 1965 and 1971 Pak-India wars.
He expressed concern over the deteriorating current situation, warning that the spectre of a third world war is beginning to loom. He cautioned that Pakistan should refrain from making decisions that involve major world powers.
Regarding the Tirah operation, he mentioned that initially, it was suggested that the area should be vacated if the weather improved. However, it was later stated that the area should not be abandoned. The Deputy Commissioner wrote to the provincial government requesting arrangements for the people of Tirah due to adverse weather conditions, as five children tragically lost their lives while struggling to leave their homes.
He criticised the lack of implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) following the Army Public School attack, despite General Faiz Hameed resettling 40,000 terrorists.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain called for General Faiz and his associates to be held accountable under the law.
Addressing Ghulam Bilour, he noted that although Bilour has stepped back from parliamentary politics, he remains committed to the party and political activity. Bilour has faced loss, including the martyrdom of 20 colleagues during an attack on him, and he has been granted a second chance at life.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Bacha Khan’s followers to safeguard the country and maintain peace, asserting that Ghulam Bilour, a close ally of Bacha Khan and Wali Khan, has also endured imprisonment.
Mian Iftikhar Hussain stressed that when policies are crafted in the interest of the country, there will be benefits. He highlighted that the NFC award has yet to be implemented and criticised the provincial government for failing to secure its rightful share.
He urged that effective internal, foreign, and economic policies should be formulated so that both the province and the country can benefit from them.
